Radiation Therapy for Cancer Care

At AnMed, you'll receive expert radiation therapy for cancer close to home in Anderson, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties in South Carolina. The center enter uses some of the most modern radiation technology available, including three advanced linear accelerators, or linac machine. Having three linacs means you get quick and convenient access to treatment with shorter wait times and more flexibility in scheduling. You can receive personalized radiation treatment close to home, using advanced technology in a comfortable, supportive environment.

From your first consultation through the completion of therapy, you work with a full interdisciplinary team. Our radiation oncologists' partner with medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiation therapists to build a plan tailored to your needs, schedule and lifestyle. This team approach supports you through every step of treatment in a comfortable and supportive environment.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, uses high-energy X-rays or other waves to target cancer cells and shrink tumors. Sessions are brief, usually about 15 minutes, painless and highly effective. Radiation therapy can also relieve symptoms of advanced cancer, a type of treatment called palliative radiation therapy.

In addition to cancer, radiation therapy can treat certain benign conditions including osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff syndrome, keloids, Dupuytren's contracture, Achilles tendonitis, heterotopic ossification, and gynecomastia.

Your AnMed care team will explain whether radiation therapy is appropriate for you and how it may help improve your health and quality of life.

When Radiation Therapy May Be Used

Radiation therapy may be recommended if cancer is confined to a specific area of the body. You might receive radiation:

• Before surgery to shrink a tumor
• After surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells
• To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer, such as pain or pressure

At AnMed, we are a trusted radiation therapy center in Anderson SC, providing expert oncology and radiation services in Upstate South Carolina.

Types of Cancer AnMed Treats with Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can help treat many types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Gynecologic cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer

What You Can Expect During Radiation Therapy

Before starting treatment, you'll meet with a radiation oncologist who will review your medical history, prior tests, and treatment options. If radiation is recommended, a CT simulation session will map exactly where radiation should be directed. Temporary marks or tattoos may be applied to guide treatment, and devices like head masks or molds may be used to help you remain in the same position each day.

During external beam radiation therapy, a machine delivers radiation from outside your body. Sessions are painless and typically last 15 minutes. Most patients have treatments five days a week for two to six weeks.

Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, involves the use of a radioactive source that is placed directly into or near the tumor through an applicator placed inside the body. Some procedures may require anesthesia.

Radiation Therapy Techniques and Technology

At AnMed, we use advanced technology to make treatments accurate, effective, and comfortable. Techniques include:

• Linear Accelerator (LINAC): Targets tumors precisely, including cancers of the brain, spine, head and neck, breast, lung, esophagus, stomach, prostate, bladder, and bones
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Delivers high-dose radiation to tumors while protecting healthy tissue
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides detailed images to guide treatment planning; our wide-opening scanner enhances comfort
• Electron Beam Therapy (EBT): Treats skin cancer while limiting side effects
• High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy: Short-term placement of a radioactive source within an applicator for gynecologic tumors
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Single-session high-dose radiation for brain tumors
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): High-dose radiation for tumors in the lungs, spine, liver, neck, and other soft tissues over 1-5 visits
• Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH): Protects the heart during left-sided breast cancer treatment

Managing Side Effects During Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy mainly targets the area with cancer but can affect nearby healthy cells. Common side effects you may notice include:

• Fatigue
• Skin changes, such as dryness, itching, blistering, or peeling
• Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing when the head or neck is treated

Your care team will provide guidance for managing radiation therapy side effects to help you stay comfortable throughout treatment.

Caring for Your Skin During Treatment

• Apply moisturizer after bathing; avoid applying within two hours before treatment. Aloe or coconut oil is recommended
• Protect treated areas from extreme temperatures and sun exposure. Wear loose clothing and SPF 30+ sunscreen outdoors
• Avoid heating pads, ice packs, hot tubs, saunas, or harsh chemicals on treated skin
• Bathe once daily using mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water; pat dry instead of rubbing
• Avoid shaving treated areas; use an electric shaver if needed
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet
• Check your skin daily and report any changes to your care team

Your Radiation Therapy Care Team

Your radiation therapy care at AnMed is supported by a team including:

• Radiation oncologists
• Radiation nurses and therapists
• Medical physicists and dosimetrists
• Dietitians, social workers, and spiritual advisors
• Care coordinators and clinical trial specialists

They ensure your treatments are safe, precise, and tailored to your needs.

Radiation Therapy Side Effects

Radiation therapy targets only the part of your body with cancer, but it can also affect healthy cells and tissues near a tumor. This damage often leads to side effects such as fatigue and skin changes like dryness, itching, blistering and peeling. Radiation therapy for the head or neck may cause dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.

Your cancer team will discuss side effects before beginning your treatment and offer ways to relieve them, so you feel more comfortable.

What to Expect from Radiation Treatment

At AnMed, we know any cancer treatment can be scary. Before, during and after your radiation treatments, the caring staff at AnMed Cancer Center will guide you with education, compassion and answers to all your questions.