Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to target and destroy cancer cells. Patients and their loved ones often wonder about potential radiation exposure to others, especially regarding close contact like sleeping next to someone. Understanding the different types of radiation therapy helps clarify these concerns and provides peace of mind regarding safety for those around the patient.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy works by damaging the genetic material within cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This leads to the death of cancer cells, which the body then naturally removes. While healthy cells can also be affected, they are generally better at repairing themselves. Treatment is delivered in two main ways: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) uses a machine outside the body to direct radiation to the tumor. Internal or systemic radiation involves placing radioactive materials inside the body or administering them through injection or oral intake.
When Radiation Remains in the Body
In some forms of radiation therapy, radioactive material is temporarily present within the patient’s body. These methods include brachytherapy and certain systemic radionuclide therapies. Brachytherapy involves placing small radioactive sources directly into or very close to the tumor, such as tiny seeds for prostate cancer. The radiation from these sources travels only a short distance, delivering a high dose to the cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Systemic radionuclide therapy involves administering a radioactive substance, often through injection or by mouth, which then travels through the bloodstream to target cancer cells. Examples include radioactive iodine (I-131) for thyroid cancer or radium-223 for prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. In these instances, the patient becomes temporarily radioactive. The radioactivity gradually diminishes over time as the material naturally decays, a process measured by its half-life.
Precautions are necessary to limit exposure to others, especially pregnant individuals and young children, who are more sensitive to radiation. These precautions typically involve maintaining a certain distance or limiting prolonged close contact for a specified period, which can range from days to a few weeks depending on the type and dose of the radioactive substance.
When Radiation Does Not Remain in the Body
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation treatment. During EBRT, a machine outside the body directs high-energy radiation beams at the tumor. The radiation passes through the body, delivering the therapeutic dose to the targeted area. The radiation does not stay in the patient’s body after the treatment session concludes. Therefore, the patient does not become radioactive and poses no risk of radiation exposure to anyone else, including family members or caregivers. Close physical contact, such as hugging, sharing a bed, or being around children, is completely safe immediately after EBRT treatments.
Sleeping Safely: Guidelines for Patients and Caregivers
For patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy, there are no restrictions on sleeping next to someone. Since EBRT does not make the patient radioactive, no residual radiation remains in their body that could expose others. Patients can safely maintain normal routines and close physical contact with family and friends, including sleeping partners, immediately after their daily treatment sessions.
For individuals who have received internal or systemic radiation therapy, temporary precautions are advised to minimize radiation exposure to others. These measures often include limiting close or prolonged contact with others, particularly pregnant women and young children, for a specific duration. The exact length of these precautions varies significantly based on the type of radioactive material used, the dose administered, and the individual patient’s situation. Healthcare providers will offer detailed, personalized instructions regarding these temporary safety measures, and it is important for patients and caregivers to adhere to this guidance.