Millions worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, with the news affecting their loved ones as much as the people diagnosed with it. While advancements in medical science have made multiple treatment options possible for many, it can still be incredibly challenging to determine the best course of action for most people.
Consequently, many refuse effective options like radiotherapy primarily because they do not understand them. This is unfortunate as radiation treatments can bring tremendous results when done right. Therefore, refer to the information outlining certain chief aspects of radiation oncology that might be useful to you, your friends, or even loved ones.
The basics
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles (electrons or ions) to kill cancer cells in the body. It can be delivered by several machines, including linear accelerators and brachytherapy devices. Two major types of treatments are involved: internal beam and external beam therapies.
Internal Beam Radiotherapy: Here, a small device, typically a pellet, needle, or wire, with radiation in it is inserted into the part of the body with cancer. The device can be removed or left inside the body permanently or temporarily. A local anaesthetic is applied to the insertion area, or the patient is put under general anaesthesia before the treatment.
External Beam Radiotherapy: This method involves targeting only one specific part of your body using an external device that gives off radiation. Advanced clinics can use intensity-guided small beams with varying intensities to target the cells more accurately.
What can it treat?
Radiation can treat different cancers, including those of the head and neck, breast, abdomen, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney. It can also often be used in fatal cases as a palliative treatment for pain or aggressive symptoms.
The dose is adjusted by varying how close you are to the treated area to keep any damage done to an absolute minimum while still giving optimal results. That being said, some people can have side effects, depending on the severity of the condition, treatment, and other vital factors. These include fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, bowel issues, and appetite loss.
It has a high success rate
This technique effectively uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue, making it a good option for many cancers. Invariably, it has a reasonable success rate and can be administered before surgery to shrink the tumour and make it easier for doctors to operate and remove it.
It is also used during surgery, so the radiation goes directly to the source without obstacles and eliminates any remaining cells after surgery.
Timely intervention is paramount
Early intervention is imperative, regardless of the kind of cancer, and referring to reliable sources like Targeting Cancer website can help immensely. Invariably, it means getting regular checkups to ensure your doctor can spot signs and symptoms early on. The sooner you start treatment, the better, as this could help them catch any problems that might develop into a more advanced stage.
Moreover, these sources can help you understand radiation better and why it might be a good choice for many people battling cancer. You can watch videos of people undergoing various types of radiotherapy to understand better what to expect. You will also find industry news, social events, awareness programs, and other cancer-related news on the site.
Lastly, they can direct you to the nearest treatment centres and help you get in touch with experienced oncologists for guidance, advice, and treatment options.
