What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses radioactive beams or substances to change the DNA in cancer cells. This change stops cancer cells from multiplying. More recent advances in medicine allow us to deliver radiation with better precision. That means we can eliminate tumors without damaging healthy tissue nearby, leading to fewer side effects and better outcomes now and in the future.
Radiation Services
At El Camino Health, your radiation oncologist works with your cancer care team to make sure you receive the radiation therapy specific to your needs. Some of our radiation treatment options include:
What to Expect During Radiation Treatment
Because we personalize radiation therapy to each patient, your treatment may look a little different. You can expect three types of visits:
Radiation Consultation Visit
Your first consultation visit, or simulation visit, is when you meet your radiation oncologist. They review all your information and explain radiation treatment options to you to determine your specific treatment plan. Our radiation oncologists provide consultation at the Radiation Treatment Center on our Mountain View campus.
Preparation Visit (Simulation)
To prepare you for radiation, your team uses a CT scan or X-ray to take images of your tumor. We locate the exact position of your tumor and work to find the best position for you to receive radiation treatment. You may get some markings on your skin to ensure you stay in the same position for each treatment session.
Radiation Treatment Visits
Most patients receive radiation in a private treatment room. Your radiation therapist sets up the room and equipment. They also put you in the correct position. During treatment, your radiation therapist leaves the room but is always available on a video monitor and two-way intercom. You should not feel any pain during radiation. The experience is sort of like receiving an X-ray.
You’re welcome to bring one visitor with you to your radiation appointments. There are comfortable waiting areas for them while you receive your treatment.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation side effects vary widely, depending on your cancer, the type of radiation and where we direct the radiation. More common general side effects may include:
- Excessive tiredness
- Irritated skin that’s red or itchy
- Lower amounts of blood cells
- Hair thinning or hair loss, if the radiation is near your head
You may have other location-specific side effects based on the area we target during treatment. Our supportive services can help respond to side effects to improve your overall wellness.
Your Cancer Care Team
Your cancer care team includes more than your radiation oncologist. It’s a multidisciplinary team, with all the expertise and support you need. From oncology coordinators and social workers to dietitians and psychologists — your team stays by your side before, during and after your radiation therapy.
Award-Winning Radiation Treatment
Even though El Camino Health is a smaller community hospital, our leaders and innovators in radiation therapy get you the most advanced treatment options. Here are a few examples:
- Radiation technologies
- First hospital in Northern California to use Mammosite® to perform partial breast radiotherapy, GammaTile® and rectal sparing products, such as SpaceOar and Barrigel
- First hospital on the West coast to use Ethos™ — a revolutionary system that adapts the treatment plan to daily changes in the anatomy
- Brachytherapy
- Over 5,000 skin cancer patients treated with surface brachytherapy
- One of the most active real-time prostate brachytherapy programs in the country
- Part of Capri™ development — a brachytherapy device that treats gynecological cancers
- Radiosurgery
- One of the few hospital-based clinics in the nation to offer prostate cancer radiosurgery, which reduces treatment from 44 sessions to just four