Receiving the news that you or a loved one needs radiation therapy can be overwhelming, often because of the misinformation surrounding this treatment. Many myths and misconceptions persist, making it natural to feel uncertain. However, understanding the scientific facts is the first step toward facing the process with confidence and peace of mind. Radioterapia Siglo XXIin San José, Costa Rica, we are committed to providing clear, accurate information and compassionate, professional care. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths about radiation therapy so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Myth 1: “Radiation therapy is a painful treatment.”
The Reality: This is perhaps the most widespread myth. Receiving external radiation therapy is similar to having an X-ray the treatment itself is completely painless during each session. Patients do not feel the radiation while the machine is delivering it. Although some side effects, such as skin irritation or fatigue, may develop over the course of treatment, the radiation therapy session itself does not cause physical pain at the time it is administered.
Myth 2: “I will become radioactive and be a danger to my family.”
The Reality: It is a common concern, but with external beam radiation therapy, —the most common type of radiation treatment—the radiation does not remain in the body once the machine is turned off. You can safely hug your children, sleep next to your partner, and be around pregnant women without posing any risk. The radiation only acts during the few seconds or minutes that the treatment is being delivered directly to the tumor. Note: In certain cases, such as brachytherapy or nuclear medicine treatments, your physician may provide specific safety instructions. However, for the vast majority of patients receiving external beam radiation therapy, there is no risk of emitting radiation after treatment.
Myth 3: “Radiation therapy always causes hair loss.”
The Reality: Unlike chemotherapy, which is a systemic treatment that affects the entire body, radiation therapy is a highly targeted treatment, localized treatment.This means it only affects the specific area where the radiation beam is directed. For example, if you receive radiation therapy to the pelvis or abdomen, you will not lose the hair on your head. Hair loss only occurs if the scalp itself is included in the treatment area.
Myth 4: “Radiation therapy is only for terminal cases.”
The Reality: Nothing could be further from the truth. Radiation therapy is one of the most effective curative treatments available for cancer. Many patients achieve complete remission through radiation therapy, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, its goals may include:
- Curative Eliminar el tumor por completo.
- Adyuvant: Asegurar que no queden células microscópicas tras una cirugía.
- Paliative To improve quality of life by relieving symptoms in advanced stages of cancer.
Myth 5: “Radiation will damage all of my healthy organs.”
The Reality:
Thanks to the advanced technology available at specialized centers like Radioterapia Siglo XXI, we can deliver highly precise treatments using techniques such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy). These technologies shape the radiation beam to match the exact size and contour of the tumor, maximizing the dose to the cancer while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues with millimeter-level precision.
Confidence and Advanced Technology in Costa Rica
Facing cancer requires both a compassionate team and advanced technology. Radioterapia Siglo XXI we are proud to provide treatment that meets international standards, ensuring every patient receives the right dose, delivered to the right place, with the highest level of precision. Our goal is to minimize risks, protect healthy tissue, and maximize treatment outcomes.
If you would like to learn more about our radiation therapy treatments, you can email us at info@siglo21.cr or get in touch with us through our contact channels.
