When you find out you have cancer, you most likely have questions about treatment.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also affect healthy cells nearby and cause side effects that depend on:

• What type of radiation therapy is done.
• What part of your body receives the radiation.
• How long your treatment lasts.

You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits. Contact your team if you need to.

You can also get help from:

• Family members.
• Friends.
• Support groups (in person or online).
• Counseling.
• Social workers, case managers, or navigators.

Talk with your health care team if you need a referral to counseling.

To learn more about cancer and to find support groups, contact the resources below:

• American Cancer Society at ww.cancer.org or 800-227-2345
• National Cancer Institute at ww.cancer.gov or 800-422-6237
• American Society for Radiation Oncology at www.rtanswers.org or 703-502-1550
• American Society of Clinical Oncology at www.cancer.net or 888-651-3038