Cancer Treatments – Radiotherapy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Radiotherapy (also called radiation therapy) is a common and effective cancer treatment used at major Grand Rapids hospitals such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health. It uses precisely targeted high‑energy x‑rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells while limiting damage to nearby healthy tissue.

The length and type of radiotherapy you receive in Grand Rapids will depend on:

  • Where the cancer is in your body
  • The type and stage of your cancer
  • Whether you’re also having surgery or chemotherapy
  • Your age and general health

Radiotherapy can be used to treat many cancers, including cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, cervix, uterus, bowel, bladder and more.

Radiotherapy Treatment Decisions in Grand Rapids

Before radiotherapy is recommended, your case is usually discussed at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting at your Grand Rapids cancer center. This team may include:

  • Specialist surgeons
  • Medical oncologists (chemotherapy specialists)
  • Radiation oncologists (radiation specialists)
  • Radiologists (imaging specialists)
  • Pathologists
  • Nurses and allied health professionals (dietitians, social workers, therapists)

At these meetings, the team reviews all relevant information, such as:

  • Your medical history and lifestyle
  • Results from imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans)
  • Biopsy and lab results
  • Other health conditions you may have

Together, they recommend the best treatment plan for you. Radiotherapy may be used:

  • As the only treatment
  • Before surgery to shrink a tumor
  • After surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells
  • Along with chemotherapy (chemoradiation)
  • To relieve pain or symptoms such as bleeding (palliative radiotherapy)

Many people in Grand Rapids receive daily treatments (Monday to Friday) for 1–8 weeks. Each session usually takes only a few minutes, although you may be at the clinic longer for preparation and positioning.

Types of Radiotherapy Offered in Grand Rapids

External vs Internal Radiotherapy

The two main types of radiotherapy are:

  • External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) – radiation delivered from a machine outside your body
  • Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) – radiation delivered from a source placed inside your body, close to the tumor

Most patients in Grand Rapids receive external beam radiotherapy, though some may receive both external and internal treatments depending on the cancer type and location.

External Beam Radiotherapy in Grand Rapids

External radiotherapy is usually provided at hospital-based cancer centers in Grand Rapids using advanced linear accelerators (often called “linacs”). Your care team may include:

  • Radiation oncologist – prescribes and oversees your treatment
  • Radiation therapists – position you and operate the treatment machines
  • Medical physicists and dosimetrists – plan and check the radiation dose
  • Nurses and other allied health professionals – help manage side effects and overall care

Planning Your Treatment (“Simulation”)

Before treatment starts, you’ll have a planning session, sometimes called simulation. This is usually done using a special CT scanner. Additional imaging, such as MRI or PET scans, may also be used.

During planning:

  • The precise area to be treated is identified
  • Your radiation oncologist prescribes the dose and number of treatments
  • The radiation therapist uses the scans and a computer system to calculate exactly how the radiation will be delivered

To help you stay still and in the exact same position each time:

  • If you are having treatment to your head or neck, a custom mask or cast of your upper body may be made.
  • For other body areas, snug-fitting supports or molds may be used around your body.
  • Sometimes you may lie face down in a special cradle or on a “belly-board” to move part of the bowel out of the treatment area.

The therapist may:

  • Mark your skin with non‑permanent ink to guide daily setup
  • Place tiny permanent skin marks (tattoos) to ensure accurate alignment for the full course of treatment
  • Give you a contrast dye to drink or through an IV to help organs show up clearly on scans

What to Expect During External Radiotherapy

External radiotherapy is similar to having an x‑ray and usually does not require anesthesia (except for infants or very young children).

During each treatment session in Grand Rapids:

  1. You lie on a treatment table under the linear accelerator.
  2. Radiation therapists position your body using the marks on your skin and your custom supports.
  3. Shielding devices may be used to protect areas that don’t need treatment.
  4. Staff leave the room to operate the machine, but they can see you on a monitor and talk to you via intercom.
  5. The machine moves around you to deliver radiation from different angles. You do not need to move.
  6. You may hear a humming or droning sound (similar to a vacuum cleaner) while the machine is on.
  7. Treatment itself is painless and usually takes only a few minutes.

Periodically, the therapists will take electronic x‑rays or imaging during treatment to check your position and make minor adjustments if needed. These images are for accuracy, not to measure treatment success.

Advanced Techniques: Intensity‑Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Many Grand Rapids cancer centers use Intensity‑Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and other advanced techniques. Computers shape and modulate the radiation beams to:

  • Target the tumor more precisely
  • Reduce radiation to nearby healthy tissues
  • Potentially lower side effects

IMRT can be delivered with the beam in a fixed position or while the machine rotates around you.

Are You Radioactive After External Radiotherapy?

No. External radiotherapy does not make you radioactive.

Once the machine is turned off:

  • There is no radiation left in your body
  • It is completely safe to be around family, friends, children, and pregnant women

Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) in Grand Rapids

Brachytherapy is internal radiotherapy where a radiation source is placed inside or next to the tumor. It is commonly used in Grand Rapids to treat:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Prostate cancer

It may also be used for other cancer types.

How Brachytherapy Is Given

During brachytherapy:

  • Hollow tubes, needles, catheters, capsules, or rods are placed in or near the tumor (e.g., in the cervix, uterus, vagina, or prostate).
  • A computer-controlled machine then places a radioactive source inside these applicators for a set amount of time.
  • The length of time the source stays in place depends on the dose needed and the strength of the source.

Treatments may be:

  • A single session
  • Several sessions over days or weeks

The applicators are usually inserted under anesthesia in an operating room or specialized brachytherapy suite.

Slow vs Fast Brachytherapy Sources

Low‑Dose‑Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy

  • Radiation is delivered slowly over many hours or days
  • Sometimes used as seed implants, especially for prostate cancer
  • You may stay in a hospital room for up to about 40 hours
  • Staff and visitors limit time near you while the source is active

This type of treatment is less common now but may still be used in certain cases.

High‑Dose‑Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

  • Radiation is delivered very quickly, often in just a few minutes
  • Most treatments involve 1–5 sessions on separate days
  • The radioactive source is removed after each treatment
  • You are not radioactive between treatments

Most modern brachytherapy in Grand Rapids uses high‑dose‑rate sources.

Temporary vs Permanent Brachytherapy Implants

Temporary Implants

  • The applicators (tubes, needles, catheters) are removed after treatment is completed.
  • They may be removed after each session or left in place for a few days for multiple treatments.
  • While the radioactive source is inside, your body emits small amounts of radiation.
  • Once the source is removed, no radiation remains in your body, even if the applicators are still in place temporarily.

During treatment:

  • Staff are in a shielded room but watch you closely and can start or stop treatment as needed.
  • Most sessions are brief and you will not feel the radiation itself.

After the implant is removed, most people have few symptoms. If needles were used, there may be some local swelling. Bleeding or infection is rare but can occur and may require medical care.

Permanent Seed Implants

  • Often used for prostate cancer.
  • Tiny radioactive “seeds” are implanted and left in place permanently.
  • The radiation is delivered over days to weeks, then gradually fades over several months.

Initially, you may be placed in a single room with limited visitor contact, especially with children and pregnant women, until radiation levels are low. You’ll receive specific instructions about:

  • How close you can be to children and pregnant women
  • Any temporary precautions at home

Once you are discharged, radiation levels are usually low enough that normal contact with others is safe.

How Radiotherapy Works

Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA of rapidly dividing cells, which:

  • Kills cancer cells or stops them from growing
  • Can also affect normal cells that divide quickly (skin, gut lining, bladder lining, bone marrow), causing side effects

Not everyone experiences side effects, and most people have only one or two mild to moderate issues. Side effects depend on:

  • The area being treated
  • The total dose and number of treatments
  • Whether you are also receiving chemotherapy

Most side effects improve after treatment ends, though some may appear months or years later. Always discuss new or ongoing symptoms with your doctor.

Common Side Effects of Radiotherapy

General side effects can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Skin changes in the treatment area:
    • Dryness, redness, itching
    • Blistering, flaking, tanning
    • Superficial ulceration (usually heals in 2–6 weeks)
  • Hair loss (alopecia) in the treated area (e.g., scalp, facial hair, armpits, pubic hair)
  • Mouth and dental issues (if the head/neck is treated):
    • Dry mouth
    • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
    • Increased risk of dental decay
  • Chest problems (if the chest is treated):
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Painful swallowing
  • Abdominal and pelvic problems (if the abdomen or pelvis is treated):
    • Diarrhea
    • Bloating or cramping
    • Burning sensation when urinating or needing to urinate more often
    • Vaginal dryness or discomfort

People with prior bowel disorders (such as diverticular disease) may notice their symptoms worsen during treatment.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Contact your Grand Rapids cancer team or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids) immediately if you experience:

  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Chronic or severe diarrhea
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Any sudden change in your health that worries you

Tell the staff that you are currently having radiotherapy.

Coping With Radiotherapy Side Effects in Grand Rapids

Most side effects gradually improve after treatment. In the meantime, these strategies can help:

Rest and Activity

  • Rest as much as you can, especially during Michigan’s darker winter months when fatigue can feel worse.
  • Plan important activities for times when you feel most energetic (often mornings).
  • Take short naps if needed.
  • Do gentle exercise (like walking indoors at local malls or on safe sidewalks) as tolerated to maintain strength and mood.

Skin Care During Radiotherapy

Skin can be more sensitive in Michigan’s cold, dry winters and with summer sun exposure off Lake Michigan. To protect your skin:

  • Avoid direct sun on the treated area.
  • Wear protective clothing:
    • Broad‑brimmed hat
    • Long‑sleeved tops
  • Ask your doctor before using sunscreen on treated skin.
  • Avoid:
    • Perfumes, deodorants, harsh soaps, creams, and make‑up on the treatment area
    • Hot showers or baths
    • Scratchy towels
    • Shaving the treated area
    • Scratchy or stiff clothing over the treatment area

Your radiotherapy nurse will discuss special gels, creams, or dressings that are safe to use.

Medications and Supplements

  • Usually no medication is needed before treatment.
  • If your treatment is likely to cause nausea or vomiting, you may be given anti‑nausea medication before each session.
  • Avoid over‑the‑counter drugs, herbal remedies, or supplements unless your doctor approves them, as some may interfere with treatment.

Emotional Health

Radiotherapy can be emotionally draining, especially during long treatment courses and winter months in Grand Rapids. If you feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed:

  • Talk with your radiation oncologist, nurse, or primary care doctor.
  • Ask about referrals to:
    • Oncology social workers
    • Counselors or psychologists
    • Local support groups

You can also contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on mental health and cancer support resources.

Special Considerations by Treatment Area

Head and Neck Radiotherapy

If you are having radiotherapy to the head or neck:

  • Use gentle shampoos and avoid:
    • Hair dyes
    • Perms
    • Hair rollers
    • Gels and sprays
  • Try soft pillowcases (satin or cotton) for scalp comfort.
  • Choose high‑calorie, high‑protein foods to maintain weight.
  • If you don’t feel like eating, try:
    • Milkshakes with egg, honey, or supplement powders
    • Nutritional drinks recommended by your dietitian
  • Avoid:
    • Over‑the‑counter mouthwashes containing alcohol
    • Alcohol and cigarettes (these greatly worsen mouth and throat irritation)

Your doctor may:

  • Prescribe artificial saliva products to ease dry mouth
  • Refer you to a speech therapist to help with swallowing and speech changes

Visit a dentist experienced with cancer patients in Grand Rapids before, during, and after treatment to manage dental health and prevent tooth decay.

Abdominal and Pelvic Radiotherapy

If you are having radiotherapy to the abdomen or pelvis:

  • Nausea and diarrhea are common.
  • Avoid:
    • Spicy foods
    • High‑fiber foods
    • Foods with seeds
  • Choose:
    • Bland foods such as toast, rice, bananas, or dry biscuits
    • Small, frequent snacks rather than three large meals

Specific medications may be prescribed to control:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramping

For bladder region radiotherapy:

  • A burning sensation when urinating or frequent urination is common.
  • Medications to reduce acid in your urine can help.
  • If symptoms are severe or don’t improve, tell your doctor.

Pelvic Radiotherapy and Sexual Health

For women receiving radiotherapy to the cervix, uterus, bladder, bowel, or other pelvic areas:

  • A vaginal cylinder and hormone cream may be recommended to help:
    • Prevent narrowing and drying of the vaginal lining
    • Maintain sexual comfort
  • Sexual function may be affected; discuss this with your doctor or nurse.
  • Referral to a gynecologist can be helpful.

Fertility and hormone function may also be affected in both men and women. Discuss fertility preservation options with your oncology team before treatment if possible.

Regular Tests During and After Radiotherapy

Throughout your treatment at a Grand Rapids cancer center, your doctor will order tests to monitor how you’re tolerating radiotherapy, such as:

  • Physical examinations
  • Blood tests
  • X‑rays
  • CT, MRI, or PET scans

It can be hard to know how well radiotherapy is working while you’re still being treated. Your response is usually assessed after your course of radiotherapy is completed, sometimes over several months.

Local Support and Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are undergoing radiotherapy in Grand Rapids, you can seek help from:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor)
  • Your specialist surgeon
  • Your radiation oncologist and oncology nurse
  • Hospital-based social workers, dietitians, and rehabilitation services

Local and regional resources may include:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on public health, vaccinations, nutrition, and supportive services
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – wellness, mental health, and chronic disease support
  • Hospital-based cancer support programs at:
    • Spectrum Health Cancer Center
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities

Many Grand Rapids centers also offer:

  • Nutrition counseling
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Support groups and survivorship programs
  • Financial and transportation assistance information (especially important in winter weather)

Ask your care team for a personalized survivorship care plan after treatment, outlining:

  • Follow‑up visits and scans
  • Long‑term side effect monitoring
  • Lifestyle recommendations (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
  • Mental health and community support options

Key Points About Radiotherapy in Grand Rapids

  • Radiotherapy is a common and effective cancer treatment available at major Grand Rapids hospitals.
  • Treatment length and type depend on cancer location, type, stage, and your overall health.
  • There are two main types of radiotherapy: external beam and internal (brachytherapy).
  • Careful planning and positioning (including masks or casts for head and neck treatment) ensure accurate targeting.
  • Most side effects are temporary and manageable, and your Grand Rapids care team will help you cope with them.
  • You are not radioactive after external radiotherapy and can safely be around others.
  • Local resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County can support you medically, emotionally, and practically throughout your radiotherapy journey.