“How long are you radioactive after radiation treatment?”
I will have radiotherapy. How long are you radioactive after radiation treatment?
2 Answers
In most cases, after external beam radiation therapy, you are not radioactive. For internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), the duration of radioactivity varies depending on the type of radioactive source used, but it typically lasts for several weeks. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized information.
To learn more, connect with me at drjeromepuryear.com. Thank you!
To learn more, connect with me at drjeromepuryear.com. Thank you!
Hello,
You are asking for the duration of radioactivity following radiation therapy.
This depends on the way that the radiation is being delivered. Most radiation is delivered by external beam aimed at the cancer cells. There is no residual radiation either during or following the radiation. Implanted devices or injections of radioactive sources are sometimes used. There may be a short time that radiation is emitted. It is best to stay away from pregnant women if these methods are used.
The American Cancer Society has an excellent discussion of radiation safety online. Try www.cancer.org. The discussion is labelled “radiation therapy safety.”.
It is best to ask this question of the radiation therapy physician for instructions on how to best treat yourself during and following radiation.
Good luck.
You are asking for the duration of radioactivity following radiation therapy.
This depends on the way that the radiation is being delivered. Most radiation is delivered by external beam aimed at the cancer cells. There is no residual radiation either during or following the radiation. Implanted devices or injections of radioactive sources are sometimes used. There may be a short time that radiation is emitted. It is best to stay away from pregnant women if these methods are used.
The American Cancer Society has an excellent discussion of radiation safety online. Try www.cancer.org. The discussion is labelled “radiation therapy safety.”.
It is best to ask this question of the radiation therapy physician for instructions on how to best treat yourself during and following radiation.
Good luck.
