Radiotherapy

Types of radiation therapy

There are two ways to give radiation therapy: externally and internally.

External radiation therapy uses a large machine and special equipment that aims very specific amounts of radiation at the tumour.

Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance that is injected or implanted into the body at the area of the tumour.

What happens during radiotherapy?

Children and teens who receive external radiation usually visit the hospital or treatment centre four or five days a week for several weeks, coming in just for the treatment and going home right after. Receiving small daily doses of radiation helps to protect the normal cells from damage, and the weekend breaks help the normal cells to recover from the trauma of radiation.

Kids who receive internal radiation treatment usually need to remain in hospital for several days so they can be carefully monitored. The radioactive material may be placed in small tubes, which are implanted into the cancerous tumour or a body cavity, or the material may be swallowed or injected into the person's bloodstream. It can sometimes mean a minor surgery that requires anaesthetic.

What are the side effects?

The side effects depend on the area treated, and may include:

• feeling tired and sick
• not wanting to eat
• feeling depressed, down or nervous
• red, tanned or itchy skin
• losing hair
• stomach ache or diarrhoea
• weak bladder