Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy affects normal cells and cancer cells alike, but most normal cells can recover from the effects of radiation and function properly afterward. Also, some types of radiation use advanced techniques to preserve healthy cells and maximize the effectiveness of the therapy.

Radiation therapy destroys cells in the targeted tissue by damaging their genetic material. This prevents them from growing and multiplying. Radiation therapy also cuts off blood supply to cancer cells, which kills them. Another method of treatment involves using ionizing radiation to shrink tumors and eliminate cancer cells.

Radiation treatment can be given externally through external beam radiotherapy or internally through brachytherapy (the insertion of a radioactive implant near the cancer cells).

Our oncology program offers radiation therapy for almost any type of cancer, including lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects the immune system.

Your oncologist will explain all the side effects that you may experience, either temporarily or permanently, following any type of cancer treatment. The side effects you experience, however, will depend on your overall treatment plan. For example, if you undergo radiation therapy with chemotherapy, the effects will be different compared to a patient who only completes chemotherapy.

Along with your oncologist and other members of your cancer care team, you'll have access to all the resources you need to learn about radiation therapy and other treatment options.

We know a cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health. That's why cancer support groups are a major part of cancer care at Medical City Healthcare.