Do's And Don’t During Your Radiation Treatment

During external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) treatment, it’s important for patients to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safe and effective delivery of radiation therapy. Here are some general do’s and don’ts for patients undergoing EBRT:

Do's:

Follow Treatment Schedule: Attend all scheduled treatment sessions as recommended by your radiation oncologist. Consistency in attending sessions is crucial for the success of the treatment.
Communicate Any Changes: Inform your radiation oncology team about any changes in your health, medications, or side effects you may be experiencing during the course of treatment.
Maintain Hygiene: Keep the treated area clean and dry. Follow any specific skin care instructions provided by your healthcare team to help manage potential side effects.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water unless advised otherwise by your healthcare team. Proper hydration can help support overall health and well-being during treatment.
Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that does not irritate the treated area to maintain comfort during and after treatment.
Protect Treated Area from Sun Exposure: If the treated area is on the skin, protect it from direct sun exposure. Use sunscreen and cover the area with clothing when going outside.

Don'ts:

Miss Scheduled Appointments: Try to avoid missing scheduled treatment sessions unless absolutely necessary. Consistency in attending appointments is essential for the success of the treatment.
Apply Creams,Soap or Lotions without Approval: Do not apply any creams,soap,lotions, or ointments to the treated area without consulting your radiation oncology team. Some products may interfere with the treatment or exacerbate side effects.
Scratch or Rub Treated Area: Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated area, as this can aggravate skin reactions and potentially lead to complications.
Use Heat or Cold Packs Without Approval: Refrain from using heating pads, ice packs, or any other topical treatments on the treated area without approval from your healthcare team.
Neglect Skin Care: Do not neglect skin care instructions provided by your radiation oncology team. Proper care of the treated area can help minimize potential side effects.
Discontinue Medications Without Consultation: If you are taking any medications, do not stop or change your dosage without consulting your healthcare team. It's important to maintain open communication regarding all medications during treatment.
- These general guidelines may vary depending on the specifics of your treatment and the recommendations of your healthcare team
- Always consult with your radiation oncologist for personalized instructions and advice tailored to your individual treatment plan and medical history.
- Taking an active role in your treatment and following the advice of your healthcare team can help optimize the effectiveness of external beam radiotherapy while minimizing potential side effects.