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| Radiation Therapy Principles |
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Radiation and radioactivity were discovered over 100 years ago. Since then doctors have looked for ways to use radiation to treat cancer. Advances in technology and a better understanding of its effects on the body have made radiation therapy an important part of cancer treatment today. In fact, about half of all people with cancer will get radiation as at least part of their cancer treatment.
This document is written to help you understand what radiation therapy is, how it is used to treat cancer, and what some of the common side effects are. For more detailed information on the possible side effects of radiation and how to deal with them, please see the American Cancer Society document,
Understanding Radiation Therapy: A Guide for Patients and Families.
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How Does Radiation Work to Treat Cancer?
Radiation therapy attacks cancer cells that are dividing. Learn how radiation is used to treat cancer and how the cell cycle affects cancer treatment.
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Types of Radiation Used to Treat Cancer
Radiation used for cancer treatment is called ionizing radiation because it forms ions in the cells of the tissues it passes through as it dislodges electrons from atoms. Learn about different types of ionizing radiation and how they are used to treat cancer.
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Goals of Radiation Therapy
Radiation is considered a local treatment because only cells in and around the cancer are affected. Learn how radiation is used and what doctors hope to achieve through treatment.
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Who Gives Radiation Treatments?
During your radiation therapy, you will be cared for by a team of medical professionals. Learn about the different professional roles involved in radiation therapy.
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How Is Radiation Given?
There are several ways radiation therapy can be delivered. Learn about external beam radiation, internal beam radiation, and radiopharmeceuticals.
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Safety for the Patient and Family
People who get any type of radiation therapy are often worried about whether the radiation poses a risk to themselves or to others around them. Learn about possible risks and what precautions you should take.
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Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The early effects of radiation may be seen a few days or weeks after treatments have started and may continue for several weeks after treatments have ended. Other effects may not show up until months, or even years, later. Learn what to expect and how you can minimize common side effects
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Other General Health Concerns
Many patients want to know how they can improve their general health in order to help their body's natural defenses fight the cancer. Learn what you can do speed up recovery from the side effects of radiation.
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What's New in Radiation Therapy?
New ways to deliver radiation to a tumor are making radiation therapy safer and more effective. Learn about new methods already in use, and others that are currently being studied.
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Additional Resources
Learn more about Radiation Therapy.
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References
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