Radiation Therapy: Support and Resources

When you find out you have cancer, you most likely have questions about treatment.

You can bring family members with you for support to healthcare visits.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also affect healthy cells nearby and cause side effects that depend on:

• What type of radiation therapy is done

• What part of your body receives the radiation

• How long your treatment lasts

Getting support

You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits. Call your team if you need to. 

You can also get help from:

• Family members

• Friends

• Support groups (in person or online)

• Counseling

• Social workers, case managers, or navigators

Talk with your healthcare team if you need a referral to counseling.

Cancer resources

To learn more about cancer and to find support groups, contact the resources below:

• American Cancer Society at ww.cancer.org or 800-227-2345

• National Cancer Institute at ww.cancer.gov or 800-422-6237

• American Society for Radiation Oncology at www.rtanswers.org or 703-502-1550

• American Society of Clinical Oncology at www.cancer.net or 888-651-3038