What is Radiotherapy?
DEFINITION:
Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
WHAT IS RADIOTHERAPY USED FOR?
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To cure cancer
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To control cancer
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To relieve symptoms
HOW DOES RADIOTHERAPY WORK?
Radiotherapy works by using high-energy rays (a bit like X-rays) to damage the DNA of cancer cells. This stops them from growing and eventually causes them to die.
The treatment is carefully planned so that the radiation targets the cancer as precisely as possible, while avoiding the healthy parts of your body around it.
You will not feel any pain during the treatment itself, and it’s given over a series of sessions to allow your body time to recover between each one.
Treatment stages:
1
Diagnosis & Decision to treat
Your doctor decides if radiotherapy is the best option based on your type of cancer.
TYPES OF RADIOTHERAPY
External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT):
The most common type.
Beams of radiation are aimed at the cancer from outside the body.
Brachytherapy:
A small live source of radiation is placed inside the body, close to the tumor.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SABR):
A highly targeted form of radiotherapy that uses fewer sessions and extreme precision.
Proton Therapy:
A newer type that uses protons instead of X-rays. Not widely available, but effective for certain cases.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIOTHERAPY
Radiotherapy is targeted, but nearby healthy tissues can sometimes be affected too. Side effects vary based on the area being treated, the dose, and the patient’s individual response. Most side effects are temporary and well-managed with support from the radiotherapy team.
Head & Neck
(e.g., throat, thyroid, larynx, oral cavity):
Dry mouth (xerostomia), sore throat, taste changes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), thick saliva, thyroid dysfunction
Breast
(including chest wall or post-mastectomy):
Skin redness or peeling, breast/chest wall swelling, fatigue, mild discomfort, changes in breast size or texture
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Pelvis
(e.g., prostate, cervix, rectum, bladder):
Increased urinary frequency or urgency, bowel changes (diarrhea, cramping), rectal irritation, sexual dysfunction, fatigue
Brain
Headaches, fatigue, nausea, hair loss in the treated area, cognitive changes (if high doses), temporary swelling (requiring steroids)
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Thorax
(e.g., lungs, esophagus, mediastinum):
Shortness of breath, dry cough, inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), chest discomfort, fatigue
Abdomen
(e.g., liver, pancreas, stomach, kidneys):
Nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, indigestion, abdominal cramping, fatigue, possible changes in liver/kidney function
Radiotherapy side effects can vary depending on the type of cancer, the area being treated, and individual factors.
It's always best to speak with your radiotherapy team, they can explain what to expect and how to manage any side effects during your treatment.
