Busting 10 Common Myths About Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a vital and effective treatment for cancer. However, misconceptions about radiation therapy can cause unnecessary anxiety and spread misinformation. This can lead people to make health decisions based on inaccurate information or even avoid potentially life-saving treatments. In this blog, the best oncologist doctor in North Kolkata aims to debunk common myths about radiation therapy and provide a clearer understanding of this essential treatment in the fight against cancer.

Myths vs. Facts About Radiation Therapy

1. Myth: Radiation Therapy is Painful.

Fact:  Radiation therapy is painless. Patients do not feel pain, warmth or heat during the treatment. 

2. Myth: Radiation Therapy Makes Patients Radioactive.

Fact: Radiation therapy does not make patients radioactive. The radiation used is precisely controlled and targeted to specific areas. After treatment, patients can safely interact with family and friends.

3. Myth 3: Radiation Therapy Leads to Radiation-Induced Cancer.

Fact: Although radiation therapy involves exposure to radiation, the risk of developing radiation-induced cancer is low. Radiation oncologists carefully calculate and administer doses to minimize damage to healthy tissues while effectively targeting cancer cells. 

4. Myth 4: All Radiation Therapies are the Same.

Fact: There are various types of radiation therapies for specific cancer types and stages. Treatment plans are customized to ensure optimal effectiveness with minimal side effects.

5. Myth 5: Radiation Therapy is Only for Advanced Cancer.

Fact: Radiation therapy can be used at various cancer stages, including early stages. It may be a primary treatment or used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, depending on cancer type, location and patient health, says the doctor of the best cancer hospital in North Kolkata. 

6. Myth 6: Radiation Therapy Causes Complete Hair Loss from the Head or Scalp.

Fact: Radiation therapy targeted at other body parts does not affect scalp hair. Hair loss occurs only in the treated area, such as the armpit, during breast radiation therapy or facial hair for male patients.

7. Myth 7: Radiation Therapy Causes Nausea and Vomiting.

Fact: Radiation therapy does not cause nausea or vomiting unless combined with chemotherapy or targeted at the abdominal area. For example, breast radiation therapy may cause mild nausea but not vomiting.

8. Myth 8: There is No Need for Radiation Therapy After Complete Tumor Removal.

Fact: Even after complete surgical removal of a tumour, residual cancer cells may remain, increasing the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy is often used to minimize this risk. Oncologists carefully assess the potential benefits before recommending post-surgical radiation.

9. Myth: After Radiation Therapy, a Person Feels Warm and Should Consume Cold Foods.

Fact: As discussed, radiation therapy does not cause a sensation of heat or warmth. Patients do not need to change their dietary habits and can consume cold foods and liquids as usual.

10. Myth 10: Radiation Leads to Skin Burns.

Fact: Radiation therapy does not cause skin burns. It can however lead to some redness and darkening of the skin in the treated area. These effects are temporary and improve after treatment completion.

By addressing and dispelling these myths, the best oncologist doctor in North Kolkata aims to provide clarity to those facing cancer treatment.