Most patients ask the same questions before booking. Here are the answers.
Common Questions
Radiation Therapy — Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers. No medical jargon. If your question isn't here, call us
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How much does radiation therapy cost in Hyderabad at CION?
Radiation therapy at CION starts from ₹40,000 for 3DCRT and goes up to ₹4,50,000 for SBRT depending on technique and number of sessions. IMRT typically costs ₹1,80,000–2,40,000, IGRT ₹2,40,000–3,00,000, RapidArc/VMAT ₹2,50,000–2,80,000. The exact estimate depends on your cancer type, sessions needed, and insurance coverage. We share a written cost breakdown before any treatment begins — no surprise bills.
Is radiation therapy painful?
No. The radiation session itself is completely painless — you lie still on a table for 10–20 minutes while the linear accelerator delivers treatment. You won't feel anything during the session. Some patients develop mild side effects (skin redness at the treatment site, fatigue) over the course of treatment, all of which are managed with our supportive care team. Most patients drive themselves to and from sessions.
How many sessions of radiation will I need?
Most patients need between 5 and 35 sessions, depending on cancer type and stage. Breast cancer typically requires 15–25 sessions, head & neck cancers 25–35, prostate 20–28, SBRT cases just 1–5 high-precision sessions. Your radiation oncologist will give you the exact protocol after reviewing your case at your consultation.
What is the difference between IMRT, IGRT, RapidArc, and SBRT?
All are advanced radiation techniques, differing in precision and delivery speed. IMRT shapes radiation beams to match your tumour. IGRT uses daily imaging for sub-millimetre precision. RapidArc/VMAT rotates the beam continuously, completing sessions in 2–3 minutes instead of 15. SBRT delivers very high doses in just 1–5 sessions for small, well-defined tumours. CION offers all of these — your oncologist will recommend the best technique for your specific case.
Will I lose my hair during radiation therapy?
Hair loss only happens at the radiation site — not all over your body. So if you're being treated for breast cancer, you may notice hair thinning under the treated arm but not on your head. The exception is brain radiation, where hair loss on the scalp is expected. Hair almost always grows back within 3–6 months after treatment ends. This is very different from chemotherapy, which causes whole-body hair loss.
Can I work during radiation treatment?
Most patients keep working part-time or full-time during radiation therapy. Sessions are typically 15–30 minutes daily (Monday to Friday), and most people drive themselves to and from the centre. Fatigue is the most common side effect and tends to build up over weeks 3–5; many patients reduce hours during this window. Your oncologist will guide you on what's realistic for your specific treatment plan.
Is radiation therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. CION accepts ArogyaSri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS, and most private insurance plans (Star Health, HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, Care Health and others) for radiation therapy. Most plans cover radiation as part of cancer treatment. We'll check your specific policy and tell you exactly what's covered and what isn't, in writing, before treatment starts. Cashless options are available wherever the hospital is empanelled.
Where can I get radiation therapy in Hyderabad with CION?
CION operates linear accelerator radiation centres across Hyderabad. Our radiation-equipped branches are located at strategic points across the city so patients don't travel more than 30 minutes for daily sessions. Find your nearest radiation centre using the locations section on this page — each card lists distance from a nearby landmark.
Can I get a second opinion before starting radiation?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. Our free in-person second opinion is one of the most useful things you can do before committing to a radiation plan. Bring your reports, scans, and the treatment recommended by your current oncologist. A senior CION radiation oncologist will review everything, confirm or adjust the plan, and give you written feedback. About 1 in 3 second opinions result in a meaningful change to the original plan.
How soon can I start radiation therapy after my consultation?
Typically 5–10 days after your consultation. The gap is needed for radiation planning — you'll have a CT simulation scan, then our medical physicists and radiation oncologists design a plan that targets your tumour while sparing healthy tissue. Once the plan is approved by you and the team, daily treatment begins. Same-day consultation slots are usually available.
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