Does My Cancer Radiation Treatment Have Effect On My Daughter?

Posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Now iam going through chemo and radiation. I have been prescribed for one session every week for six weeks. Yesterday I had my first session of chemo and second session of radiation. i have been prescribed for 30 session's of radiation of 2 grays each. Now my question is am I radio active now. I have a daughter of 2 1/2 yrs old and she loves me a lot, as soon as I reach home after the sessions she runs to me to give me a hug. Now my curiosity is it safe for her?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Some chemo medications can emit radiations. Detailed Answer: Hello, You will have to check whether the medications given under chemotherapy is radioactive and what is its half life.If the medication is not radioactive then there is no fear of secondary radiation. Radiotherapy doesn't make you radiate radiation after the sessions.So that is not to be worried about.May be radiotherapy related radiation seems your primary concern. A call to your doctor or going through medication brochure can help you know whether it causes secondary radiation.But in cases where such medication are used, everybody around are given instructions without fail.So dont worry. Hope this helps.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar