Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Radiation therapy uses high energy rays, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors in different parts of the body. It is used to treat many types of cancer. Radiation damages the genetic material of cancer cells, which stops their growth. Radiation may also damage normal cells that are close to the cancer cells. But normal cells usually repair themselves, while the cancer cells cannot. Side effects from radiation therapy are a problem. Usually the side effects are temporary. But some side effects may be permanent. Researchers keep looking for the lowest radiation dose that effectively kills cancer cells. And with new technology, people getting radiation therapy have fewer problems than in the past. There are two main ways that radiation is done. When it is given from a machine outside the body, it's called external beam radiation, or EBRT. When radiation is placed inside the body, it's called internal radiation, or brachytherapy. Other types of radiation include: Radiation therapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor, such as with bladder cancer. Or it may be given during surgery or while you are getting chemotherapy. Or it may be given after other treatment, such as after surgery for breast cancer. Radiation therapy may be given when a person with cancer is not well enough for other treatment, such as surgery. It's also used in palliative care for advanced or metastatic cancer. For example, it can relieve pain by shrinking tumors in the bones. Radiation is one of the main treatments used to kill cancer cells. But it doesn't always cure cancer. Researchers continue to study safer and more effective ways to use radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation therapy may shrink a tumor, give you relief from cancer symptoms, or possibly cure cancer. But it has risks for serious side effects. Your doctor will recommend radiation therapy if the doctor thinks that the benefit you may have from this treatment is greater than the risks. Risks of radiation therapy during and right after treatment include: Most of these problems will go away soon after the treatment ends. But sometimes the side effects are permanent, such as when the salivary glands are damaged. And sometimes side effects may show up months or years after radiation therapy. These can include: Current as of: October 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: October 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Radiation Therapy for Cancer
Treatment Overview
How Well It Works
Risks
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardRadiation Therapy for Cancer
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.