A member 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?
6 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
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.
Answered 5/17/2016
3.5k views
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.
Answered 5/17/2016
3.5k views
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.
Answered 5/17/2016
3.5k views
External beam: radiotherapy doesn't make a person radioactive, so there is no problem with contact.
Answered 5/17/2016
3.5k views
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