Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered in different ways, and the specifics of radiation treatment depend on patient factors and the type and stage of cancer. Radiation therapy has been used to treat cancer for over one hundred years; however, the past twenty years have seen enormous technologic improvements. More precision in treatment allows the radiation oncologist to better target tumors and avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in higher cure rates with fewer side effects.
How Radiation Treatment Works
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells. When the DNA in a cancer cell is damaged by radiation, the cell is unable to divide and grow. The cancer cells die, the body eliminates them, and the tumor shrinks. Radiation therapy can also affect healthy cells, but their health gives them the ability to repair themselves better than cancer cells. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The radiation team works together to plan each treatment customized to the patient’s tumor location, body shape, and size. Precisely targeting the radiation to the tumor will minimize damage to the surrounding normal cells.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells. When the DNA in a cancer cell is damaged by radiation, the cell is unable to divide and grow. The cancer cells die, the body eliminates them, and the tumor shrinks. Radiation therapy can also affect healthy cells, but their health gives them the ability to repair themselves better than cancer cells.
- Fatigue
- Skin changes, such as redness, itching, and peeling
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss in the treatment area
Side effects of radiation typically improve after treatment ends, but some may take several weeks or months to fully disappear. The radiation oncologist will monitor the patient’s progress and any side effects on a weekly basis.
Radiation Therapy Methods
There are two primary types of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is an effective form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, improving after treatment ends. Radiation therapy is an important tool in the fight against cancer and can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.