How long does a radiation therapy session take?

The radiation itself usually takes only about 1 to 5 minutes, but the whole visit is longer.

Most external beam radiation visits last from 30 minutes to an hour. Most of that time is spent carefully placing you in the correct position so the radiation goes to the exact same spot each time. The therapist uses skin marks, and sometimes a body mold or face mask, to line you up.

During the treatment you lie very still, and you can breathe normally. You will not feel, hear, see, or smell the radiation, though you may hear and see the machine move around you.

Most people have these sessions once a day, five days a week, over several weeks. Your care team can tell you how long your own visits are likely to take.