In 2004, the state of Kentucky reported 22,720 new cases of cancer related
illness. One form of treatment for cancer involves radiation. Close to home,
the Richmond Regional Oncology Center provides Madison County and the
surrounding area with a cancer care facility designed to offer patients a
variety of treatment options, including both radiation treatment and
chemotherapy.
“Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses radiation to destroy
cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing -- while minimizing damage
to healthy cells,” stated Dr. Sandra Swayze, a radiation oncologist who has over
ten years of experience in the treatment of cancer.
Radiation therapy is administered using a large machine called a linear
accelerator. Radiation therapy has been shown to improve survival in women with
breast cancer. The technology at the Richmond Regional Oncology Center includes
advanced 3-dimensional treatment planning and simulation as well as a
state-of-the-art Siemens linear accelerator.
Managing Side
Effects
Some side effects do occur with radiation therapy, and for the most part are
specific to the area of the body being radiated. The following is a list of some
general side effects that might occur:
1. Skin Irritation, redness (The redness may take as long as a year to
fade.)
2. Fatigue (Fatigue diminishes in about a month after treatment ends.)
3. Nausea and vomiting (For radiation given in the area of the stomach)
4. Hair loss (For radiation given to the head)
5. Sore throat and difficulty swallowing (For radiation given to the
chest)
6. Diarrhea (For radiation given to the lower back
or abdomen.)
There are medications and
techniques that can help control side effects. Patients should discuss any side
effects with a doctor so that they can be managed properly.
Richmond Regional
Oncology Center is conveniently located at 793 Eastern Bypass within Pattie A.
Clay Regional Medical Center and is affiliated with Lexington Clinic. If you
have questions or need additional information about Richmond Regional Oncology
Center, please call (859) 626-9003.
www.lccancercenter.com or
www.lexingtonclinic.com.
Dr. Sandra Swayze is a radiation oncologist with the Richmond Regional Oncology Center and is on the medical staff at Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center.
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