Radiotherapy explained: myths, facts and why it matters in cancer treatment
Radiotherapy is a critical part of cancer treatment, yet many patients are unaware of its benefits or hold misconceptions about it. On World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, it’s important to highlight how radiotherapy can help patients and encourage open discussions between patients and their healthcare teams.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. In the past, radiation affected both the tumour and surrounding areas. Today, thanks to advanced technology, radiation can be precisely focused on the tumour, significantly reducing exposure to healthy tissues. This makes treatment more effective and safer.
Radiotherapy access: why demand is growing
- Belgium: By 2050, cancer incidence in Belgium is expected to rise by 33%, placing greater pressure on oncology services. To meet this demand, the country will need 277 radiation oncologists, 154 medical physicists, and 461 radiation therapists. Planning and training these professionals now are essential to ensure timely, high-quality care for patients. (1,2).
- Europe: Approximately 50% of cancer patients in Europe require radiotherapy at some point during their treatment. However, more than a quarter of these patients do not receive the radiotherapy they need, revealing significant access disparities in access across the continent. (3, 4)
Why you should talk to your doctor about radiotherapy
If you‘ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to know that radiotherapy might be part of your treatment plan. It can be used to shrink tumours before surgery, destroy remaining cancer cells afterward, or relieve symptoms in advanced cases. Don’t hesitate to ask your oncologist whether radiotherapy could be suitable for you—being informed can help you make confident decisions about your care.
Common myths about radiotherapy and the facts you should know
Myth 1: Radiotherapy is painful.
Fact: The treatment itself is painless, similar to a CT (computed tomography) scan. Some side effects like fatigue or skin irritation may occur afterwards, but the procedure is not painful.
Myth 2: Radiotherapy makes you radioactive.
Fact: External beam radiotherapy does not make you radioactive. You can safely be around family, including children and pregnant women.
Myth 3: Radiotherapy is only for advanced cancer.
Fact: Radiotherapy can be effective at many stages, including early-stage cancer, and can be used for curative, adjuvant, or palliative purposes.
Myth 4: Radiotherapy always causes hair loss.
Fact: Hair loss happens only in the area being treated. For example, radiation to the head may cause scalp hair loss, but radiation to other parts of the body does not affect body hair.
Myth 5: Radiotherapy is dangerous or always causes severe side effects.
Fact: Modern radiotherapy is highly precise, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Most side effects are manageable, and treatment is generally safe.
Myth 6: Radiotherapy is not effective.
Fact: Radiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for many types of cancer and is often used in combination with other therapies to improve outcomes.
Myth 7: Radiotherapy treatments are long or disruptive.
Fact: Each session typically lasts only a few minutes, though the overall treatment period may span several weeks. Many patients can continue working and performing daily activities during treatment.
Empowering patients through awareness
Being aware of the facts and understand radiotherapy better can empower patients to discuss it openly with their doctors and make informed choices for their treatment.
References
1. Zhu, H.,et al (2024). Global radiotherapy demands and corresponding radiotherapy-professional workforce requirements in 2022 and predicted to 2050: A population-based study. The Lancet Global Health, 12(12), e1945–e1953.
2. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2025). Cancer Tomorrow: Belgium cancer incidence projections for 2050. Global Cancer Observatory.
3. Rodin, D., Lievens, Y., Barton, M. B., & Delaney, G. P. (2024). Global cancer burden and radiotherapy needs by 2050. The Lancet Global Health, 12(3), e215–e226.
4. Lievens, Y., Guckenberger, M., & Loncaster, J. (2020). Status of cancer treatment by radiotherapy and access issues in Europe. The Lancet Oncology, 21(6), 750–758.
