What is Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a treatment used to target cancers (and some benign conditions).
It works by using high energy radiation to penetrate and destroy cells within an accurately planned area of the body.
Treatments can be delivered over a number of days (fractions). Normal cells have the ability to repair, but abnormal cells such as cancer cells are destroyed over time. Rest days are built into the course of treatment to enable healthy cells to recover.
Radiation dose is prescribed to a precisely targeted area. The plan is specific to each patient. There are many different treatment schedules. The number of treatments required will be guided the type of cancer that you have.
Why is Radiotherapy Used?
Radiotherapy is often given alongside other forms of cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery and immunotherapy. It can also be given alone.
We can use radiotherapy to:
- Prevent recurring cancer or cure cancer (radical radiotherapy)
- Control (slow down) the growth of cancer
- Relieve the symptoms of cancer (palliative radiotherapy)
If you need radiotherapy, an oncology specialist will consult with you. They will discuss the intended outcome, risks and benefits and you will have an opportunity to ask questions before you decide to go ahead.
