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RadiationRadiation therapy Radiation therapyCancer treatment that uses radioactive energy to slow or stop cancer cells from dividing, or even kill cancer cells, in a specific area of the body.uses radioactive energy to slow or stop the way cancer cells divide and grow in the body. Radiation can be very effective and may be used to shrink a tumor in a certain region of the body or to destroy cancer cells that surgery or chemotherapy ChemotherapyType of cancer treatment that prevents fast-growing cells (like cancer cells) from dividing or causes cancer cells to die. May also damage fast-growing normal cells. could not reach or may have missed. Radiation therapy is usually given in a treatment center on a daily basis. A typical schedule would be to receive radiation treatment 5 days a week for about 5 to 8 weeks. Radiation is usually more effective on fast-growing cells like cancer cells. However, radiation may also damage normal fast-growing cells that may be nearby, such as those of the skin, mouth, stomach, and intestines. While fatigue is a general side effect of most radiation treatment, other side effects will vary depending upon the part of the body being treated and are usually limited to that area. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about the side effects likely to be caused by radiation treatment for your specific type of cancer. |
