Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation is usually delivered externally through a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally through radioactive sources placed directly in or near the cancerous tissue.
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, which can cause them to die or stop growing. The radiation is carefully targeted to the tumor to minimize damage to healthy surrounding tissue. The treatment can be given alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy is used to treat many types of cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, and brain cancer, among others. The duration of treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer being treated. The treatment is usually given in daily doses over several weeks, although some types of radiation therapy can be given in fewer treatments over a shorter period of time.
Like any medical treatment, radiation therapy can have side effects. These can include fatigue, skin irritation, nausea, and damage to healthy tissues near the tumor. However, modern radiation therapy techniques have greatly reduced the risk of side effects, and many people are able to continue their normal activities during treatment.
Radiation therapy is a critical component of cancer treatment and can be an effective way to shrink or eliminate cancerous tumors. The decision to undergo radiation therapy should be made in consultation with a medical professional and based on individual factors such as the type and stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences.