Frequently Asked Questions

Information from your CT planning appointment and your completed diagnostic tests will help your radiation oncologist:

• Decide exactly where the radiation will be given
• Determine how much radiation each area of your body will receive
• Make accessories needed for treatment

This planning process:

• Ensures that the targeted areas receive the necessary dose of radiation
• Ensures that surrounding organs receive the minimum amount of radiation in order to reduce damage

Radiation is similar to a drug prescription. This means that the dose of radiation may be spread over a number of days. Spreading out the dose helps reduce the side effects you may have. The number of treatments is determined by the radiation oncologist. It depends on many factors such as your type of cancer, where in your body you are having treatment and the goal of the radiation treatment. The number of treatments is not an indicator of how severe your cancer is.

Your treatment delivered is the same every day. The duration of appointments are typically the same day to day as well, but can vary due to a variety of reasons (machine faults, imaging challenges or breathing patterns). A team of radiation therapists will monitor your well-being and be prepared to answer any questions you have.

No, your radiation therapy team cannot tell you if treatments are working while you are on treatment. Radiation takes time to work. It keeps destroying cancer cells for a few weeks after you have finished your treatment. You will see your radiation oncologist for a follow-up visit to talk about how well you responded to treatment.

No, you are not radioactive or dangerous to family and friends.

It is recommended that you do not smoke. Radiation works best with more oxygen in your body and smoking lowers your oxygen levels. If you choose to smoke, you should not smoke at least two hours before and after treatment, or for as long of a window as possible for you. Example: if you can avoid smoking for an 8-hour stretch, choose 4 hours before your treatment and 4 hours after.

Ask your therapy team for more information, and visit the following websites for smoking cessation resources:

• Visit the Government of Canada website
• Visit the Canadian Cancer Society website
• Visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit website

Alcohol may make your side effects worse, depending on your treatment area. Try to limit intake or ask your radiation therapy team.

No, the radiation treatment is not painful. You cannot see, smell, or feel the radiation while it is being administered. The side effects from the radiation can result in pain which can be discussed with your care team.

No. Cancer is not contagious. Your friends, relatives, and family cannot catch cancer from you.

You may experience emotional changes before, during, and after your radiation treatment. Maintaining a positive approach to your treatments and to cancer itself can be very important to your recovery. Social workers can help you and your family cope with the emotional and practical concerns you may experience with cancer. See the ‘Counselling’ section to learn more about how a social worker can support you, or see the ‘Peer Support Program’ section to speak with someone who has already been through the process. 

Most people are able to drive themselves to and from their appointments. Since there is no medical reason related to your radiation therapy to prevent you from driving, you can choose whether to have someone drive you to your appointments or to drive yourself. However, you should not drive if you don't feel well, are taking medication that causes drowsiness, or if your physician advises you not to do so because of your medical condition.

You'll probably be able to take your routine medications during treatment. Be sure to inform your radiation oncologist of all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, aspirin, laxatives, cold remedies, vitamins, herbs, or any other over-the-counter medications. Check with your radiation oncologist before taking any new medications during your treatment.

We encourage most people to continue to work and perform their normal activities, as long as they feel well enough. If you find that you are tired, make sure you plan breaks and opportunities for rest during your day.

Regular Business Hours: Telephone Triage Nursing Line (TTN): 1(519) 685-8600. Press '1' for patient and follow prompts. Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 4:00pm *closed from 12:00pm - 1:00pm and weekends/ statutory holidays.
What can I call TTN about:

• Managing symptoms
• Changing an appointment
• Renewing a prescription
• Unsure if you need to go to the Emergency Department
• Your condition has changed
• General information

If it is after hours, a holiday, or on a weekend: Call CAREChart@home after-hours nursing line at 1-877-681-3057, your family doctor, Telehealth Ontario or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Please note they cannot help with appointment changes or renewals.