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A 31-year-old female asked:
We have a cancer patient taking radiation therapy, should my 3 years old son has contact with him? is there certain time we should wait after session?
4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
This is fine: Radiation does not make a person radioactive or a danger to be around. This would be a great time for your patient perhaps to enjoy being with Junior.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Lori Semelanswered
Pediatrics 37 years experience
Radiation exposure: It is totally safe for anyone including young children and babies to be around someone having radiation therapy, the patient is not “radioactive”, and poses absolutely no danger to anyone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Visalakshi Valluryanswered
Family Medicine 26 years experience
Depends on type: External-beam radiation therapy does not make a person radioactive at any time. However, with internal radiation therapy (also called brachytherapy), the implants placed in the patient's body deliver most of the radiation to the cancer. This type of radiation requires precautions to prevent exposure to other people.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Gaboranswered
Diagnostic Radiology 35 years experience
External beam: radiotherapy doesn't make a person radioactive, so there is no problem with contact.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 17, 2016
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