Frequently Asked Questions

It is a condition where cells have rebelled and mutated their DNA, so the cell grows without controls or a system for repairing defects, and the body cannot recognize or eliminate it. These cells grow randomly and stimulate the formation of blood vessels to nourish themselves, destroying healthy cells around them and affecting the function of the affected organ.

Cancer is not a single disease; it varies depending on the affected organ and the tumor's type, grade, and stage, and each case differs in diagnosis and treatment. Cancer is commonly named after the organ where it originates — breast cancer, for example, means it began in breast tissue, and even if it spreads it is still called breast cancer that has metastasized (to the lungs, for instance).

There are four factors that differentiate between types of cancer, and they determine the treatment plan. These factors include the type of cancer, its grade, its stage, as well as genetic mutations, receptors, and proteins.

The grade reflects how aggressive the tumor appears under the microscope, and each increase in grade signifies greater ability to grow and spread. Grade 1 (low): slow-growing or dormant. Grade 2 (intermediate): moderate growth with a not-high chance of spreading beyond the organ. Grades 3 and 4 (high): rapid growth and a high likelihood of spreading beyond the affected organ.

Cancer stages range from Stage 1 to Stage 4, depending on the size and spread of the tumor to surrounding organs, the involvement of affected lymph nodes (their number and location), and whether it has spread beyond the affected organ. Stage 4 is known as the advanced or metastatic stage.

There are three main methods for cancer treatment: Surgery: Surgery is one of the primary methods for treating cancer. It involves the removal of cancerous tissue or tumors from the body. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy aims to preserve the affected organ by using targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is used in cases like breast cancer, where it can provide similar results to surgical removal, or in some stages of throat cancer to preserve the larynx and its function instead of complete removal. Drug therapy: Drug therapy includes various approaches such as traditional chemotherapy, biological therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. These medications are designed to reach and attack cancer cells in different ways, often by interfering with their growth or by targeting specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer development.

Cancer is diagnosed through several methods: a biopsy taken via traditional, microscopic, or endoscopic surgery to identify the tumor's type, grade, and stage; diagnostic tests including various imaging and analyses; and tumor-marker blood analysis for some tumors such as prostate and colon cancer, which is also used for follow-up after treatment.

In most cases the biopsy is one of the crucial stages of diagnosis. The treatment plan cannot be devised without knowing the type, origin, and grade of the cancer. Many other diseases resemble cancer on diagnostic tests, which can make treatment significantly different.

One of the most prevalent myths among people, including patients during their treatment, is the notion of preventing cancer. Generally, it is advisable to reduce sugar intake as part of a healthy dietary pattern to minimize the risk of obesity and diabetes for everyone.

Radiotherapy is a medical treatment that uses high-energy X-ray radiation to treat diseases — especially cancer — by destroying cancer cells.

The procedure itself is painless — there is no heat, no burning, and it is not a laser. The patient does not feel, see, or smell the radiation, and these are among the most common misconceptions about radiotherapy.

Yes. In some cases it is given before or after surgery, others before or after drug therapy, and it can be given at the same time as chemotherapy. In many cases it is the only treatment. Every case is different, and the treating physician is best placed to explain the plan.

It depends on the type of cancer and the goal of treatment; in many cases it spans several weeks, and in others a week or less. Every case is different, so the treating physician is best placed to explain the number of sessions.

There are mainly two types, based on how radiation is delivered: external-beam radiotherapy, using a linear accelerator that directs radiation at the patient with no direct contact (the most common), and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy), where a radiation source is placed inside the body temporarily or permanently, used for conditions such as uterine, cervical, or prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy aims to damage the DNA of the cancer cell by breaking it, preventing the tumor from growing and causing the cells to die — either immediately or when they attempt to divide. It affects both cancerous and nearby healthy cells, but healthy cells can repair the damage while cancer cells cannot, which explains the gradual improvement in symptoms during recovery.

Yes. Beyond cancer, radiotherapy can be used for conditions such as brain arteriovenous malformations, thyroid-related eye proptosis, keloid scars, heterotopic ossification (to prevent bony tissue forming after surgery), and trigeminal neuralgia.

There are two kinds of symptoms: acute ones that occur during treatment and extend for weeks afterward (monitored and managed), and delayed ones that may appear months or years later and are usually uncommon. Their type and duration depend on the treatment site, the treated volume, the dose, the number of sessions, the technique, and the patient's age and health.

The effect of radiotherapy is localized and usually impacts the treated organ. Radiotherapy for breast cancer, for example, does not cause infertility because it does not reach the ovaries in the pelvis. Radiotherapy to the pelvic area, however, may affect fertility because the ovaries or testicles are close to the treatment field, so it is important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

Most patients can continue their daily activities, since external-beam radiotherapy does not make the patient radioactive and they can be around others. Some adjustments may be needed depending on fatigue and side effects.

No. After external-beam radiotherapy — the most common type — the patient is not isolated and does not become radioactive, and can be around others including children and pregnant women. This is one of the most common misconceptions about external-beam radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy is not recommended during pregnancy due to risks to the developing fetus. Always consult with your doctor for advice specific to your situation.

Radiotherapy is localized, so head-hair loss does not occur if the treated area is not the head. If an area of the head is treated, hair may fall out near the treated region, and in many cases it regrows after a few months.

There is a misconception that radiotherapy causes cancer, but the likelihood is very small and depends on the patient's age and sex, the treatment site, and the dose reaching healthy organs — ranging from about 1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000. No treatment plan is adopted unless the expected benefit far outweighs any potential harm.

Avoid sun exposure and harsh chemicals on the treated skin. Use gentle soaps and moisturizers recommended by your healthcare team.

You may feel tired or have mild skin reactions. Most people are able to drive themselves home after the session.

Yes, you can be around others, including children and pregnant women, after external beam radiotherapy.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not irritate the treated area, and avoid tight clothes that might rub against your skin.

Rest when needed, maintain a balanced diet, and try to engage in light physical activity as recommended by your healthcare team to manage fatigue.

Consult with your healthcare team before using any skin products on the treated area. Some products may not be suitable during radiotherapy.

Use a soft toothbrush, avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, and keep your mouth and teeth clean to prevent oral complications.

Radiotherapy usually does not affect the immune system, but if it is combined with chemotherapy — which does affect immunity directly — it is important to take precautions to avoid infection during treatment.

Travel is generally possible but coordinate with your treatment schedule and discuss any travel plans with your healthcare team.

It is important to attend all scheduled sessions. If you must miss one, inform your care team to reschedule as soon as possible, since interruptions may affect outcomes.

No specific diet is required, but eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is important. Your healthcare team may provide dietary recommendations based on your treatment.

Inform your healthcare team about all medications you're taking. They will advise you on any necessary adjustments.

Unfortunately, continuing to smoke during radiation therapy reduces the effectiveness of the treatment and increases the occurrence of side effects. In some cases, the patient may escape the initial tumor but may develop a tumor in another location. For example, a patient diagnosed with throat cancer who continues smoking after recovery is at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

The effectiveness is monitored through follow-up appointments, imaging tests, and assessing the response of your cancer to the treatment.

Follow your healthcare team's recommendations for follow-up care, including appointments, lifestyle adjustments, and monitoring for any late side effects.

Follow-up monitors the patient's condition and catches any changes early. It is often every three to four months in the first two years, then reduces to every six months or once a year. It varies from patient to patient based on the tumor type, treatment site, and the patient's health.

Each case is unique, so the treating physician is the best person to make decisions.

Before treatment, imaging tests like CT scans ( Called CT simulation ) are used to precisely locate the cancer and plan the treatment.

Your healthcare team will guide you on how to prepare, which may include instructions on eating, drinking, and what to wear.

We carefully select our medical team, so rest assured that you will be in safe hands.

Most radiotherapy treatments are outpatient, meaning you won't need to stay in the hospital.

There's no strict age limit

Please contact the center so our team can assist you and share the latest information about insurance coverage.

The center is in Riyadh, in the Al-Narjis neighborhood. Hours are highly flexible, with clinics and evening treatment sessions from Sunday to Thursday.

Customized radiotherapy for each case using the latest medical technology to ensure effectiveness and reduce side effects; a specialized team of radiation oncologists and qualified technicians focused on individualized care and psychological support; modern image-guidance and surface-tracking technology to increase precision; and easy access to service that smooths the patient's daily treatment journey.

The working hours are extremely flexible, and the center will operate in clinics and evening therapy sessions from Sunday to Thursday.

The interpretation of any test results is best explained by the treating physician who has a complete understanding of the situation.

Yes, radiotherapy can be used in children, with special considerations for their growing bodies and long-term health.