Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and is the most common type of cancer. Radiation therapy is used to treat skin cancer painlessly and noninvasively and is one of the safest treatments for skin cancer. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is an effective treatment for skin cancer, working within cancer cells to damage their ability to multiply. During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer cells with a linear accelerator (LINAC). Treatments are delivered daily Monday through Friday. Each treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The treatment process is painless, safe and will not burn or hurt you. Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment. Several factors determine candidacy for radiation therapy treatment including the stage of the cancer, potential side effects, age and overall health. Sometimes a combination of treatments is the best plan for treating skin cancer.