Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy and radiation oncology, is one of the main treatments for many cancers. It uses precisely targeted rays/beams to destroy cancer cells, so they are unable to multiply.2,3
Different types of radiation used in treatment include:4
- x-rays (most common)
- electron beams
- gamma rays
- proton beams
Cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells, so when a regular, small dose of radiation is delivered to a site, normal cells will typically recover, whilst cancer cells do not.1,5
The precision delivered with radiation therapy helps to limit the amount of damage to surrounding healthy tissue near the cancer, aiming for less side effects from treatment.2,3
Radiation therapy can be used in the following ways:2,7,9
- Before surgery or other treatments (neo-adjuvant) to reduce tumour size
- In conjunction with chemotherapy, immunotherapies and other drug treatments
- On its own as a treatment option with curative intent
- To relieve pain and discomfort from cancers that have spread
- In a palliative care setting
Types of radiation therapy
GenesisCare specialises in modern radiation therapy for all adult cancer types.
What to expect on your first day of radiation therapy treatment
Understand what to expect at your first radiation therapy appointment, from arriving at the centre to completing your first treatment session. As every person's care is different, your experience may vary slightly depending on your treatment plan and the GenesisCare centre you attend.
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