Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays such as X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles. These rays aim to disrupt the DNA structure of cancer cells and hinder their ability to reproduce. Thanks to modern technology, radiation therapy methods can be precisely controlled, allowing to focus more directly on the cancerous tissue and protect the surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy can be used as an alternative to surgical intervention or preferred as a post-surgical treatment. Different radiation therapy methods can be applied depending on the type of cancer, its stage and the general health of the patient. This type of treatment is an area that requires a multidisciplinary approach and requires expertise. With the advances in cancer treatment, radiation therapy has become an important tool aiming to improve the quality of life of patients.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment in which high-energy rays are used to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation therapy mostly uses X-rays, but protons or other forms of energy can also be used. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments to treat cancer. For example, it can be used to reduce tumor size before surgery or to destroy tumor cells after surgery. It can also help prevent the growth of cancer cells when used with chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. This damage prevents cells from multiplying and growing. Radiation therapy can damage healthy cells as well as cancerous cells. Therefore, radiation therapy can have side effects. The side effects of radiation therapy vary depending on the area where the radiation therapy is given and the duration of the therapy. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and skin rash. More serious side effects may include heart damage, bone marrow damage, and nerve damage. Radiation therapy is an effective method in cancer treatment. However, the risks and benefits of treatment should be carefully considered, as they can have side effects.
How is radiation therapy applied?
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment in which high-energy rays are used to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation therapy mostly uses X-rays, but protons or other forms of energy can also be used. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments to treat cancer. For example, it can be used to reduce tumor size before surgery or to destroy tumor cells after surgery. It can also help prevent the growth of cancer cells when used with chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. This damage prevents cells from multiplying and growing. Radiation therapy can damage healthy cells as well as cancerous cells. Therefore, radiation therapy can have side effects. There are two main types of radiation therapy:
- External radiotherapy: In this type of radiation therapy, the rays are given outside the body by the therapy machine. The beams are directed using computer technology to focus on a location targeting the tumor.
- Internal radiotherapy: In this type of radiation therapy, a radioactive material is placed into the cancerous tissue. The radioactive substance works by leaking it to destroy the cancerous cells.
External radiotherapy is the most common type of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment. This type of radiation therapy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or alone. Internal radiotherapy can be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to destroy tumor cells after surgery. It can also be used to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy is an effective method in cancer treatment. However, the risks and benefits of treatment should be carefully considered, as they can have side effects.
How long does radiation therapy take?
The duration of radiation therapy can vary depending on many factors. It may vary according to the type, stage, size of the cancer, the general health status of the patient and the treatment plan used. Radiation therapy usually takes several weeks, but in some cases it may take longer or shorter. A standard radiation therapy plan usually includes daily sessions and can be administered 5 days a week, usually for 2 to 8 weeks. Each treatment session usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, but this time may vary depending on the patient’s treatment area and needs.
The duration of treatment is determined by considering factors such as the location and spread of the cancerous tissue. In some cases, the duration of treatment may be shorter, while in other cases longer processes may be required. The treatment plan is determined individually by a radiation oncologist who specializes in cancer treatment, and the patient’s response to treatment is regularly monitored and adjustments are made when necessary.
Does radiation therapy for cancer patients work?
Radiation therapy is one of the most effective methods used in cancer treatment. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells and prevents these cells from multiplying and growing. The effectiveness of radiation therapy varies depending on the type of cancer, the location of the tumor, and the patient’s general health. But overall, radiation therapy has been shown to help improve life expectancy and quality of life for patients with cancer.
Radiation therapy for breast cancer can help destroy tumor cells after surgery, which can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Radiation therapy for colon cancer can help shrink the size of the tumor, which can make surgery easier and more effective. Some measures can be taken to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. These measures include drinking plenty of fluids, taking bed rest, eating foods containing plenty of protein and vitamin C, and sharing the symptoms of side effects with the doctor.