Radiation therapy is an essential component in the treatment of cancer that has side effects that may pose some risks, although I believe the benefits of this treatment far outweigh the risks. What is radiation therapy? “Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells.” (www.cancer.org 2015) This prevents cancer cells from being able to grow and spread. While sometimes radiation therapy is effective on its own, it can also be used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy. Another effective treatment is the combination of radiation therapy and radiosensitzing drugs. These drugs …show more content…
This type of treatment directs radiation beams at the cancer from a machine called a linear accelerator to the outside of the body and can treat large areas. “Computers with special software adjust the size and shape of the beam. They also direct the beam to target the tumor while avoiding the healthy tissues that are near the cancer cells.” (www.cancer.net 2015) Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy is a specialized type of external-beam radiation therapy. With this treatment, special computers create detailed three-dimensional pictures of the cancer. This allows the aim of radiation beam to be more precise, and higher doses of radiation can be used while reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue.” (www.cancer.net …show more content…
You can get medicines to help treat these issues. (www.cancer.org 2015) Diet planning is an important part of radiation treatment of the stomach and abdomen, and diet changes may be recommended. It is recommended to try to pack the highest possible food value into all meals. (www.cancer.org 2015) Pelvis Radiation therapy aimed to the pelvis can cause side effects such as (but are not limited to): Pain, burning sensations, difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine, urges to urinate often, digestive problems, irritation of the bladder, changes in fertility, and changes to sex life. (www.cancer.org 2015) Radiation treatments for certain cancers in the pelvic area may lead to urinary incontinence where the patient is not able to control their urine or can experience leakage. This is something that can be treated. If the radiation damages the lining of the bladder it can cause a long-term problem called radiation cystitis; this causes blood in the urine or pain when passing urine. (www.cancer.org