When a loved one undergoes radiation therapy for cancer, questions about safety naturally arise. This article provides clear, factual information to address concerns about being near someone receiving treatment. Understanding the different types of radiation therapy can help clarify these concerns.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA, preventing growth and division. This treatment is primarily categorized into external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. Each method utilizes radiation differently to target cancerous growths.
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivers radiation from a machine outside the body, aiming beams at the tumor. Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy or systemic radiation therapy, involves placing a radioactive source directly inside the body, either through implants or by administering a radioactive substance that travels throughout the body.
External Beam Radiation and Patient Safety
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) directs radiation to a specific body part from a machine outside the body. The radiation passes through the patient only during the treatment session and does not leave radioactive material behind.
Patients undergoing EBRT do not become radioactive. This means there is no risk of radiation exposure to family members, friends, or caregivers from close contact. You can safely hug, touch, and spend time with a person who has received external beam radiation therapy, even immediately after their sessions.
Internal Radiation and Safety Precautions
Internal radiation therapy, which includes brachytherapy and systemic radiation, involves placing a radioactive source directly inside the patient’s body. In these cases, the patient can be temporarily radioactive, meaning they might emit a small amount of radiation that could potentially expose others. The level of precaution needed depends on the type of internal radiation, the specific radioactive source used, and the dosage.
Medical teams provide precise, tailored instructions to minimize any potential exposure to others, often based on three core principles: time, distance, and shielding. Limiting the amount of time spent in close proximity to the patient helps reduce overall exposure. Increasing the distance from the patient also significantly decreases radiation exposure, as radiation intensity diminishes rapidly with greater distance. Maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet or an arm’s length is a common recommendation.
Shielding involves placing a barrier between the radioactive source and individuals to absorb radiation. In a hospital setting, this might involve lead-lined rooms, though for home care, practical shielding is less common. Specific instructions are frequently given regarding sensitive populations, such as pregnant women and young children, who may be advised to avoid close contact or maintain greater distances due to their increased sensitivity to radiation.
For systemic radiation, where radioactive medicine travels throughout the body, the substance can leave the body through bodily fluids like urine, sweat, and saliva for several days. Precautions might include double-flushing toilets, washing hands thoroughly, using separate utensils and towels, and washing laundry separately. These measures are temporary and are designed to ensure safety for everyone around the patient.
Common Concerns and Professional Guidance
Medical professionals carefully plan and monitor radiation treatments to ensure maximum effectiveness while minimizing risks to both the patient and those around them. Radiation therapy is a highly controlled medical procedure with established safety protocols.
For specific advice regarding a patient’s treatment, consulting their medical team is paramount. Radiation oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare providers are the best sources for accurate and up-to-date information tailored to the individual patient’s situation. They can provide detailed guidance on any necessary precautions, their duration, and how best to support the patient while ensuring safety for everyone involved.