Understanding Radiation Therapy

This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about radiation therapy, one of the main treatments for cancer. Radiation therapy is also known as radiotherapy.

We cannot give advice about the best treatment for you. You need to discuss this with your doctors. However, this information may answer some of your questions and help you think about what to ask your treatment team. It may also be helpful to read the Cancer Council booklet about the type of cancer you have.

Some people feel concerned about the side effects of radiation therapy, but most side effects are temporary. We have included information about ways to manage the most common side effects.

This booklet does not need to be read from cover to cover - just read the parts that are useful to you. You may also like to pass this booklet to your family and friends for their information.