Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment, and it uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Since it is a localized treatment, it targets a specific area of the body, aiming to affect cancer cells while minimizing harm to nearby healthy tissue. Here are some of the benefits of radiation therapy for localized cancers:
Shrinking Tumors
Radiation therapy helps reduce the size of tumors before other treatments begin. This process may make surgical removal of a tumor more manageable, and a smaller tumor is typically easier for a surgeon to remove completely. When the tumor is smaller, subsequent surgery may be less extensive, leading to a smoother recovery.
This pre-surgical approach may improve the effectiveness of the operation. By shrinking the tumor, radiation helps create clearer margins between cancerous and healthy tissue. Surgeons can then perform a more precise removal, and this is a key function of radiation in a multi-step treatment strategy.
Destroying Cancer Cells
Radiation damages the genetic material of cancer cells, which stops them from growing and dividing. Over time, these damaged cells die, and the body naturally removes them. Because cancer cells typically grow and divide faster than most normal cells, radiation can affect them more significantly. This process takes place over the course of the treatment schedule.
The targeted nature of radiation enables precise delivery of energy to the tumor site. Sophisticated technology maps the tumor’s location, so the radiation beams can conform to its shape. This technique helps protect surrounding healthy organs and tissues from unnecessary exposure. The focused application of radiation is designed to maximize its impact on the cancerous cells within the defined treatment area.
Radiation may be used as the primary treatment for certain types of localized cancers. For some people, radiation alone may be sufficient to destroy the tumor. In other cases, it is combined with chemotherapy, a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Preventing Re-occurrences
After a tumor is surgically removed, some cancer cells may remain in the surrounding area. Radiation therapy administered after surgery, known as adjuvant therapy, targets these leftover cells. This treatment reduces the chance that the cancer will return in the same location. The therapy is directed at the area where the tumor was, including a small margin of healthy tissue.
Relieving Symptoms
When cancer spreads or grows, it may cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Palliative radiation therapy focuses on alleviating these symptoms to improve a person’s quality of life. The goal is not to eliminate the cancer but to provide comfort and relieve specific issues caused by the tumor. In some cases, radiation may help with:
- Reducing pressure on the spinal cord
- Easing bone pain
- Stopping bleeding from a tumor
Schedule Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy represents one option within a cancer care plan, and it is tailored to each individual’s situation. Your oncology team can work with you to develop a personalized treatment schedule. If you have questions about radiation treatments or want to understand your options, the next step is to talk with your care provider. Contact an oncology clinic to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment plan.