Overview of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It is a common treatment option for various types of cancer, either alone or in combination with other therapies like surgery or chemotherapy. During radiation therapy, patients receive precise doses of radiation aimed directly at the tumor site to minimize damage to healthy surrounding tissues. The goal of radiation therapy is to shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms, or eradicate cancer cells altogether, improving patients’ chances of survival and quality of life.

Types of Radiation Treatments

There are different types of radiation treatments used to fight cancer. One type is called external beam radiation, where the radiation comes from a machine outside the body and aims at the cancer. Another type is internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, where radioactive material is placed inside the body close to or directly into the tumor. Some patients may also receive systemic radiation therapy, where radioactive substances are given by mouth or injection to travel through the body and target cancer cells. Each type of radiation treatment is carefully chosen based on the type and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health, to provide the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects.

What to Expect During Treatment

During radiation therapy, you’ll typically visit the hospital or clinic several times a week for a specific number of weeks, depending on your treatment plan. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by friendly nurses and staff who will guide you through the process. The treatment itself doesn’t cause pain, but it’s important to lie still during the session to ensure the radiation reaches the right spots. You might hear buzzing noises from the machine, which is normal, but you won’t feel anything. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask the doctors or nurses—they’re there to help you feel comfortable and informed. After each session, you can usually go back to your normal activities, although you may experience some fatigue or other mild side effects, which your medical team will discuss with you and help manage. Overall, the goal is to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible while effectively targeting the cancer cells.