Radiation therapy

Also known as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation, such as x-rays, to kill cancer cells or damage them so they cannot grow, multiply or spread. It can be precisely targeted at cancer sites in your body. Treatment is carefully planned to have the greatest effect on the cancer cells and limit damage to healthy body tissues.

Radiation therapy can often shrink tumours or stop them from spreading further. It can also relieve some symptoms, such as bleeding from the tumour or pain from secondary cancer in the bones. Different types of external beam radiation therapy and sometimes internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) are used depending on the location of the cancer.

Side effects

Common side effects include fatigue, skin problems and loss of appetite. These may be temporary or longer lasting. Side effects from radiation depend on the area being treated. For example, skin reactions over the area or tummy upset after radiation to the abdomen. For most people, there is some level of fatigue when having radiation treatment and this may be something to consider.

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