Debunking 5 Myths About Radiation Therapy Treatments

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Radiation therapy plays a key role in treating various types of cancer that patients present. However, it remains misunderstood by many, which can lead to patients refusing to seek treatment and resulting in poorer overall health outcomes. Read on as we debunk 5 common myths people have regarding radiation therapy in Singapore.

Myth 1: Radiation therapy will cause hair loss.

One of the most common worries Singaporeans have is that radiation therapy will cause hair loss, which can affect their self-esteem. In reality, side effects of radiation such as hair loss are usually determined by the region of the body that is receiving it. Hair loss is more likely to occur in patients who are undergoing radiation treatment for the head or scalp area, such as in the case of brain cancer. Fortunately, hair loss is temporary for the majority of patients who experience it, with hair usually growing back once radiation therapy has completed.

Myth 2: Radiation therapy is a painful affair. 

Patients may sometimes assume that radiation therapy involves painful procedures. In truth, the procedures are generally painless, with most radiation therapy in Singapore carried out in the form of external beam treatments, where a machine directs a stream of charged particles towards the affected area. Brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, will have anesthesia provided to relieve pain and discomfort as a catheter or applicator device is temporarily inserted into the body.

Patients may sometimes experience symptoms such as skin irritation, soreness, and redness, as well as ulcers in the case of treating head and neck cancers. Do let your radiation oncologist in Singapore know about these symptoms, so that they can prescribe medication to treat it and alter your radiation therapy treatment timeline if necessary.

Myth 3: Radiation therapy will make me radioactive.

With numerous safety precautions surrounding radiation exposure, patients may have the misconception that radiation therapy in Singapore can make one radioactive. The majority of radiation treatments do not leave any residual material in patients’ bodies, allowing them to spend time with their friends and loved ones without fear of adversely affecting their health.

An exception is for patients undergoing low dose rate brachytherapy, which involves the permanent insertion of radioactive ‘seed’ implants into the body to destroy cancer cells. Radiation oncologists in Singapore, along with their team of experienced staff, are well-versed in coming up with individualised treatment plans to promote comfort and provide recommendations to protect the health and wellbeing of you and your loved ones.

Myth 4: Radiation therapy causes nausea and vomiting.

Many cancer patients are concerned about experiencing nausea and vomiting as part of the side effects of radiation therapy in Singapore. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, as well as the region of the body that radiation is directed towards. Generally, nausea and vomiting are more likely to occur if the brain or the upper abdomen around the small intestine are being treated. Fortunately, nausea and vomiting are usually preventable and easily managed through medications prescribed by radiation oncologists.

Myth 5: Radiation therapy causes severe fatigue.

Singaporean patients are often concerned that radiation therapy will take a toll on their energy, resulting in fatigue and weakness that prevents them from working or being able to carry out daily activities. The truth is that it varies from patient to patient, based on factors such as whether radiation therapy is used together with chemotherapy, the type of radiation therapy received, as well as individuals’ overall health and the presence of other medical conditions, such as anemia. 

Radiation therapies such as IMRT feature precise direction of radiation as well as dosage, reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue and in turn side effects such as fatigue. Patients should also eat a well-balanced diet, try to exercise regularly, as well as get plenty of rest before going for each treatment session to reduce the extent of fatigue.

Looking for a reputable clinic to seek radiation therapy in Singapore? Get in touch with us today to arrange for an appointment and consultation.