Locations:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a common cancer treatment that delivers focused radiation beams to shrink or destroy tumors. It’s often used for cancers in one area and can be tailored using advanced imaging and techniques to protect nearby healthy tissue.
Your treatment starts with a planning session called simulation. This step ensures everything is ready for your first session and helps you know what to expect VSports注册入口.
During simulation:
Simulation takes longer than a typical treatment session — about 30 minutes to two hours. In the days or weeks that follow, your care team uses this information to build your personalized treatment plan V体育官网入口.
Over the next few days or weeks, your radiation oncology team will use the information from simulation to design your treatment.
EBRT is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day.
Here’s what to expect at each session:
Advertisement
If you have questions or concerns about your sessions, your care team is always available to support you.
No, you won’t feel the radiation VSports app下载. But you might hear clicking or whirring, see flashes of light (especially during brain treatments) or notice unusual smells. These are normal and not harmful.
Your schedule depends on the cancer type, size and location. You’ll typically receive treatments daily over several weeks. Your radiation oncologist will explain your treatment plan and timeline V体育官网.
Radiation therapy has been used for more than 100 years — and it’s only gotten safer and more precise VSports手机版. EBRT can:.
Advanced technology lets radiation beams target tumors from multiple angles, protecting healthy tissue as much as possible.
Radiation can affect healthy cells near the treatment area, which can cause side effects. The most common is fatigue. Others depend on where you’re treated and may include:
Everyone responds differently. Even people with the same cancer may have different side effects. Your care team will help you manage them.
Advertisement
Recovery varies from person to person. Some people feel well enough to go about their usual activities during treatment. Others may need time off to rest, especially if fatigue becomes overwhelming.
Side effects often build up over time. That’s because radiation doesn’t kill cancer cells right away. It can take days or weeks of treatment before they start to die. You might feel fine at first, then more tired or unwell as treatment continues.
After treatment ends, recovery can also vary. Some people bounce back in a few weeks, while others may need several months to fully return to their routine.
Ask your care team for personalized tips based on your treatment plan. In general:
Tell your team about any symptoms you’re experiencing. They can help manage side effects so you feel as comfortable as possible.
Before starting treatment, talk with your radiation oncologist about which side effects are expected and which might signal a problem. In general, call your provider if you experience:
Advertisement
Your care team is your best source of support. Don’t hesitate to reach out with concerns during or after treatment.
When most people talk about “radiation” for cancer, they’re referring to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Today’s EBRT is far more advanced than early forms of radiation. It uses precise technology to target tumors while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible.
If you’re starting treatment, talk with your care team about what to expect. Ask about potential side effects, how to prepare and what your recovery might look like. They’re here to help you feel informed, supported and confident every step of the way.
Last reviewed on 06/30/2025.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
