Radiation Therapy and Its Role in Cancer Treatment

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2024-06-05

Radiation Therapy and Its Role in Cancer Treatment

• What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation that penetrates the targeted area without affecting other parts of the body. It is used as a curative treatment for certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, or as an adjuvant therapy, like in breast cancer, to clean the surgical site. It can also be used as an initial treatment to shrink certain tumors before surgical intervention, such as in rectal cancer, or as palliative care to alleviate pain or pressure on the spinal cord in advanced stages of metastatic tumors.

 

• Use of radiation therapy in breast cancer treatment: It is used as part of the adjuvant treatment protocol after surgery, whether it is a full mastectomy or a partial one. It is also used as palliative care in some cases.

 

• What are the side effects of radiation therapy? The side effects depend on the area being treated. In the case of radiation therapy on the breast area, the side effects are temporary during treatment, such as a feeling of heaviness and discomfort, skin redness and color change, and itching in the skin and throat. It is advised to consult a doctor for guidance. Long-term side effects on the heart and lungs are largely avoided now due to modern techniques such as four-dimensional radiation therapy and the breath-hold technique during sessions.

 

• Is it safe to interact with children and pregnant women during the sessions? Yes, there is no danger from direct interaction.

 

• What is the preferred diet during the sessions? There is no specific preferred diet during the sessions, but it is advisable to avoid citrus fruits and spicy foods if the sessions are directed at the neck and nasopharynx area. It is recommended to eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, natural juices, and moderate amounts of meat, poultry, and starches.