Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a treatment used against cancer. Its purpose may be to cure the disease, control its progression, or alleviate symptoms.

Upon Arrival

When arriving for radiation therapy, patients must check in at the reception desk, where they are directed to the waiting area and given appointments for upcoming treatments. Patients and their caregivers receive information about the treatment process.

Preparation

Before starting radiation therapy, preparation is required. The treatment area is precisely defined, and a radiation plan is created to ensure accurate dosage to the target area while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

To ensure precision and help patients maintain the same position during treatment, support molds are often created.

• The treatment area is marked with a special skin marker.

• Some patients require only one preparation session, while others may need two or three.

• Each visit lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, and the preparation process may take up to a week.

Treatment

Radiation therapy is administered on weekdays, and hospitalization is usually unnecessary.

• The duration of treatment varies. Some patients require only a single session, while others undergo daily treatment for several weeks.

• Each treatment session lasts only a few minutes and is painless.

• Radiation therapy does not make the patient radioactive.

After Treatment

How a person feels during treatment varies. Fatigue is common, but other side effects depend on the area being treated and the size of the radiation field. Many patients continue working and engaging in hobbies.

Caregivers

Patients decide whether they want caregivers or family members to accompany them. Caregivers are welcome to see the treatment equipment and attend consultations. This allows them to ask questions, retain important information, and provide support.

There is no reason to fear being around someone undergoing radiation therapy. The treatment uses X-ray radiation, and patients do not become radioactive.

The Radiation Therapy Department

The Radiation Therapy Department is the only facility in Iceland that provides radiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy is delivered using linear accelerators, of which the department has two, named Þór and Eir. The treatment involves high-energy X-ray radiation or electron beam radiation.