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The timing of when radiation therapy is given depends on the type of cancer being treated and whether the goal of radiation therapy is to treat the cancer or ease symptoms.

The linear accelerator machine may rotate around your body to reach the target from different directions.

Your local American Cancer Society office may be able to help you get wigs or hats.

These blood cells help your body fight infection and prevent bleeding.

Soreness or even open sores in the mouth or throat• Jaw stiffness How to care for your mouth during treatment If you get radiation therapy to the head or neck, you need to take good care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat.

Sometimes the size of your breast changes — it may become larger because of fluid build-up or smaller because of scar tissue.

If you are having trouble eating and maintaining your weight, talk to your doctor or nurse.

A dose can be determined from a one-time radiation exposure, or from accumulated exposures over time.

of cancer over a lifetime.

Since your body uses a lot of energy to heal during radiation therapy, it is important that you eat enough and to maintain your weight during treatment.

1 National Research Council, 2006.