Other questions about radiation
Should I be careful in the sun?
What about smoking?
- Smoking reduces the oxygen level in your cells. Radiation works best when the cells have a high oxygen level. To maximize the effects of your radiation treatment please do not smoke 2 hours before your appointment and for 2 hours after your appointment. If you are travelling with a smoker to your treatment please ask them not to smoke around you.
- Quitting smoking after a diagnosis of cancer can have many potential benefi ts. It is important to remember that smoking during chemotherapy and radiation has been known to increase side effects. We acknowledge that quitting smoking can be diffi cult. If you would like to talk to someone about quitting, please let your health care provider know.
- You may contact us at smokingcessation@sunnybrook.ca for additional counselling and support.
- View our e-module
What about sexual activities during treatment?
- We know that sexual health is a concern for many people. Please talk to your healthcare team about your concerns.
- It is safe for you and your partner to have sex during radiation therapy. They will not be affected by the radiation. In some situations where there is bleeding or infection, vaginal and anal intercourse may not be recommended.
- You or your partner should use birth control if there is a possibility of pregnancy. You can discuss types of birth control with your doctor to decide which is best for you.
- It is not advisable to get pregnant while on treatment. If you think you might be pregnant, inform your healthcare team immediately.
- Please ask your healthcare team for a copy of our pamphlet 'Sexual Health and Radiation Therapy' (a guide for men/women) for more information.
Who do I contact after my radiation treatments are completed?
- After you complete your radiation treatments, you will be given a follow-up appointment.
- If you have any questions before your follow-up appointment, please contact your specialized oncology nurse. The number is on your appointment card.
Need more information?
Please visit our Patient Education Research Learning Centre (PEARL) for all of your educational needs. We are located on the 1st floor of the Odette Cancer Centre beside main reception. We are open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday and offer a large variety of patient education materials, web sites, computers and classes. To contact us please call 416-480-4534 or email us at patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca. We can help you with your information needs by phone, email or in person.
The Wellspring (Westerkirk) Cancer Support Centre is located on site at the Sunnybrook campus. Wellspring offers support for you are your family. Radiation information sessions are offered by radiation therapists on the second and fourth Tuesday of month from 11:00 – 12:00. Call us at 416-480-4440.
For further information regarding Radiation Treatment:
- Please visit the Odette Cancer Centre website to view an audio visual web presentation entitled: Radiation Treatment: A Guide for Odette Cancer Centre Patients. The audio portion of this presentation is available in languages other than English.
- Canadian Cancer Society – www.cancer.ca or 1.888.939.3333
- Wellspring Cancer Support Centre – www.wellspring.ca
- MyChart™ is a secure online website where patients can access and manage their personal health information. For more information about MyChart™, call 416-480-6794 or visit the MyChart™ website.
Youtube™ video series prepared by the Odette Cancer Centre Radiation Department:
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