Once you are diagnosed with prostate cancer you should begin studying your options for treatment. This article is a simple overview, and should not be used for medical purposes. All patients need to familiarize themselves with the symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis of their illness. Treatment with beam radiation therapy is no exception.

Discuss beam radiation therapy with your primary care physician as well as each specialist who examines you. Do you see an oncologist or urologist?  Get their input on each aspect of your illness. The best choice is an informed one. The more information you have the easier it will be to make decisions about your health.

Beam radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately the radiation also kills healthy cells. Different ways of controlling the amount of damage to healthy tissue surrounding the cancer tumor are constantly being developed.

There are several different types of external radiation.  Some use x-ray beams in different ways. One method uses protons. Basically a large machine aims a beam of radiation at your cancer. Your point of entry may be marked with ink to ensure consistent and proper placement of each radiation treatment. Treatments usually take place 5 days a week for 4 - 10 weeks. All treatments will be based on your specific diagnosis, type of cancer, and stage of illness.

Proton Therapy
Proton therapy uses energetic ionizing particles (accelerated protons) instead of x-rays. This permits a higher concentrated dosage to be focused on the target and protects the surrounding tissues. Proton therapy is sometimes combined with other methods of treatment.

Conformal Radio therapy
Conformal radio therapy implements a 3-D system of planning. The goal is to send a high level of radiation to your prostate cancer. As with all radiation therapy the target is to destroy the cancer cells while protecting the healthy cells as much as possible.

Intensity Modulated Therapy
In the use of intensity modulated therapy the intensity of the x-ray beam is carefully modulated to provide more protection of healthy cells. Therapy session times may be longer.

Your radiation oncologist and therapist will discuss your treatment plan with you. This is a good time to ask questions and discuss anything that you are not familiar with. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of your treatment plan, be sure to discuss the necessity of that aspect and search for alternatives.

The length of time necessary for treatment varies for each person. Most of your time will be spent getting positioned. You will be required to lay very still to be sure the radiation focuses on the cancer cells and not healthy tissue. Ask if you may bring a cd or tape player to help you relax during treatment. Books on tape and soothing music will make the time pass more quickly.

Preparing for Treatment
You should wear comfortable and easy to remove clothing to your first treatment. Your therapist may ask you to wear a hospital gown. Do not wear accessories such as watches or jewelry. Don't bathe with deodorant soap or use deodorant prior to treatment. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or focused concentration. If a listening device is allowed, be sure to carry it with you.

Treatment
Once you enter the treatment area your therapist will instruct you and answer any questions you may still have. Position yourself comfortably and relax. Your therapist will leave the room once you are situated, but will always be in contact with you. She may be enclosed in a room with a large window so you can see her and you will be able to talk with your therapist throughout the whole process.

Once you are released from your beam radiation therapy treatment, be sure to follow your doctor's orders on caring for yourself. Don't hesitate to call one of your medical caregivers if you have symptoms which alarm or worry you.