Name: Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers (ACTC)
Address: 15211 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL, 34613, US
Telephone: 352-345-4565

About HDR Brachytherapy
Step-by-Step Process
Side Effects of Radiation Treatment
Questions to Ask your Radiation Oncologist
Support and Navigation at ACTC
Consult Us

Hearing “you need radiation” can feel like the ground shifted beneath your feet. We’re here to steady you by clearly explaining two effective radiation therapies: brachytherapy and external beam radiation.

It's common to wonder if radiation makes you radioactive. Rest assured, external beam radiation does not make you radioactive at all. If you have permanent brachytherapy seeds, you'll simply follow short-term precautions to keep your loved ones safe.

How Doctors Choose the Correct Treatment Option

Brachytherapy delivers radiation from the inside. Small radiation sources, sometimes called "seeds," are placed directly in or near your tumor. Depending on your cancer type, these sources might stay in your body permanently, gradually fading over weeks or months (low-dose-rate), or temporarily for a few minutes during several visits (high-dose-rate).

Meanwhile, external beam radiation treats cancer from outside your body. A precise machine carefully shapes radiation beams around your tumor. Each treatment session is short, and nothing stays in your body afterward.

Choosing between brachytherapy and external beam radiation involves looking closely at your specific situation. Our decisions follow national care playbooks that ensure your treatment is evidence-based and personalized.

Several factors influence the choice:

Your cancer type and stage
Tumor location and nearby healthy tissues
Previous treatments you've had
How frequently you can visit for treatment

Here’s how this works in practice:

Prostate: Low-risk tumors may use brachytherapy seeds alone, while higher-risk cases might combine seeds with external beam radiation.
Cervical or uterine cancers: Cervical cancers usually require a combination—external beam radiation first, then internal brachytherapy for a focused boost; many uterine (endometrial) cancers receive brachytherapy alone after surgery, with external beam added only when risk is higher.
Breast: External beam radiation is standard after breast-conserving surgery; however, some early-stage patients can choose a brief, five-day partial-breast brachytherapy option.
Skin cancers: Both methods work effectively, but brachytherapy can offer improved cosmetic results for small lesions.
Lung: Small lung tumors often fit well with a short external beam radiation course called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (3–5 visits).

External beam radiation uses advanced imaging daily to ensure accuracy and protect your healthy organs. Brachytherapy naturally confines radiation precisely within the tumor, limiting exposure to surrounding tissue.

Can You Do Shorter Schedules and Fewer Visits?

Shorter treatment courses are becoming more common and equally effective. These shorter schedules significantly reduce the number of clinic visits, saving travel and lowering treatment costs.

For example:

Breast and prostate: Many external beam treatments now last just 3–4 weeks instead of the traditional 6–8 weeks. Some prostate treatments can be completed in just five visits total.
Lung cancer: Small lung tumors commonly use SBRT, delivered in just 3–5 visits, without sacrificing effectiveness.
Brachytherapy: Often "one-and-done" or completed over just a few short sessions, ideal if traveling frequently is challenging.

If fewer visits make your life easier, be sure to ask your doctor which shorter options might safely apply to you.

Treatment Options at ACTC

Your treatment plan at our center always reflects your personal needs and situation. Here are the main ways we help:

Surgery: Sometimes surgery is combined with radiation, either before or after, depending on your cancer type and stage.
Radiation therapy: We offer internal radiation (brachytherapy) for selected cancers. Our external beam radiation includes advanced options such as 3D conformal radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
Medical oncology: In some cases, chemotherapy, hormonal treatments, or targeted medications enhance the effectiveness of radiation.

Our radiation oncology team includes oncologists trained at top centers who ensure national standards guide your care. We coordinate all services, including convenient in-house imaging and infusion treatments, reducing your need to travel between clinics.

Most importantly, our care philosophy is simple: we treat patients the way we care for our own loved ones.

Side Effects of Radiation Treatment

Side effects vary depending on the cancer location and type of radiation. Most side effects are temporary, manageable, and improve soon after treatment ends.

Common experiences include:

Prostate cancer: External beam radiation commonly causes bowel irritation during treatment. Brachytherapy may initially increase urinary urgency or frequency. Both treatments can gradually affect sexual function.
Gynecologic cancers: Brachytherapy is essential for cervical cancers. Expect some vaginal irritation and steps to maintain comfort, such as vaginal dilator use. External beam radiation can add temporary pelvic symptoms like bowel changes or urinary frequency.
Breast cancer: External beam radiation frequently causes skin redness (like mild sunburn) and fatigue during treatment. Partial-breast brachytherapy (five days) is shorter but can cause temporary localized firmness.
Skin cancers: Both brachytherapy and external beam radiation effectively control skin cancers, but brachytherapy often provides a better cosmetic outcome for small surface lesions.

We closely monitor and support you to minimize discomfort and help you recover smoothly.

Questions to Ask your Radiation Oncologist

Feeling anxious before your visit is normal. Preparing questions can help you feel calmer and clearer. Consider asking:

Which radiation option best fits my cancer type, stage, and personal goals?
How many treatment visits should I expect, and what side effects might occur?
Will I need to follow any special precautions at home?
How will your team protect my healthy organs from radiation exposure?

Having these questions handy will help you feel more confident and informed during your discussion.

Support and Navigation at ACTC

Feeling supported every step of the way can make treatment feel less overwhelming. Our team works with you to coordinate appointments, explain what to expect, and help ensure you’re prepared for each stage of care.

We also understand that practical concerns, like getting to the clinic or understanding your insurance, can add stress. We’ll help connect you with available resources and support whenever possible.

After treatment, your care continues through routine follow-ups, which may take place in person or through other convenient options depending on your needs.

For a consultation, call 352-345-4565 or book an appointment.

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