Cancerous – Radiation Therapy: What Patients Need to Know. Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to help shrink tumors and prevent the spread of cancer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are considering radiation therapy, here are some things you should know:
Radiation therapy is a targeted treatment
Radiation therapy is a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area of the body being treated. This can help minimize side effects and preserve healthy tissue.
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There are two types of radiation therapy
External radiation therapy uses a machine to deliver radiation to the body from outside the body, while internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive material inside the body near the cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is typically given in multiple sessions
Radiation therapy is usually given in daily sessions over the course of several weeks. The exact number of sessions will depend on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
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Radiation therapy can cause side effects
Common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin changes, and digestive issues. However, these side effects are typically temporary and can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to provide the best possible outcome for cancer treatment.
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Radiation therapy can be used to relieve symptoms
In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to relieve symptoms caused by cancer, such as pain or breathing difficulties.
Radiation therapy requires careful planning
Before starting radiation therapy, your medical team will carefully plan your treatment to ensure that the radiation is delivered to the right area of the body and that healthy tissue is protected.
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Radiation therapy is delivered by a specialized team
Radiation therapy is delivered by a team of specialized healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, and medical physicists.
Radiation therapy is generally covered by insurance
Radiation therapy is typically covered by health insurance, although the exact coverage will depend on your individual plan.
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Radiation therapy can be effective in treating cancer
Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option for many types of cancer, particularly when used in combination with other treatments.
