Just In
- 1 hr ago Shukra Rahu Yuti In April 2024: Check The List Of Lucky Zodiac Signs
- 4 hrs ago Daily Horoscope, 28 March 2024: Gemini Businessmen Will Witness Profits Today
- 11 hrs ago Summer Fashion: 7 Trendy Office Outfit Ideas To Beat The Heat In Style
- 12 hrs ago Good Friday 2024 Date: Why Are Chruch Bells Not Rung On Good Friday?
Don't Miss
- News Despite India's Objection, US Reiterates Remarks On Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest, Congress' Bank Accounts Freezing
- Finance Stock Market Live Updates: Nifty 50 Wants To End The March Series And FY24 Strongly
- Movies Tillu Square Sequel: Siddhu Jonnalagadda Confirms A SHOCKING Climax; Exciting Female Cameo & Lead To A Sequel
- Technology Poco C61 Goes on Sale in India at 12 noon Today via Flipkart: Check Price, Specs, Offers
- Sports Madrid Spain Masters 2024: PV Sindhu Eases Into Second Round; Kidambi Srikanth Bows Out Early
- Automobiles Citroen Basalt SUV Revealed In India – Launch Details & More
- Education IGNOU June TEE 2024 registration schedule out; Check out for more details
- Travel Explore Tamil Nadu's Diverse Wedding Venues
National Cancer Awareness Day 2020: What Is Radiation Therapy For Cancer Treatment?
Every year on 7 November, the National Cancer Awareness Day (NCAD) is observed in India. The day was first observed in 2014 after the announcement by Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Health Minister of India. NCAD is meant to highlight the significance and increase awareness on early detection and prevention of cancer, which is the second leading cause of deaths worldwide. The day falls on the birth anniversary of French-Polish scientist Madame Curie whose discovery has paved way for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through nuclear energy and radiation therapy.
In this article, we will discuss radiation therapy and its importance and side effects on cancer treatment. Take a look.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is an effective cancer care program to treat cancer or provide relief from its symptoms. It is mainly used in combination with surgical methods or with systemic chemotherapy in the treatment procedure for cancer.
According to a study, around 14 million new cancer cases are diagnosed every year, out of which the radiation therapy has the potential to cure around 3.5 million people along with providing additional palliative relief to 3.5 million people. These data show that radiation therapy has the potential to provide benefit to around 50 per cent of cancer patients for the management of this chronic condition.
COVID-19 And Diwali Celebration: Healthy And Immune-Boosting Alternatives To Sweets
Uses Of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is widely used in the treatment of cancers such as breast, prostate, lungs, cervix, head and neck and sarcomas. RT alone is effective in treating localised tumours like early-stage cancers, radiosensitive tumours or non-melanoma skin cancer. For advanced-stage cancer types such as cancer of blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes are treated with RT in combination with chemotherapy or surgery.
Localised radiation therapy is best for lymphomas while palliative radiation therapy is used in multiple myeloma and lymphomas. This treatment method is widely used to control metastases or cancer type that has spread to different parts of the body from the primary site. [1]
Donkey Milk: Evidence-Based Health Benefits And Downsides
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy deals with the use of ionising radiations for the treatment of cancer. The success of the method depends on the type, location and anatomic area of the tumour that also helps calculate the radiation dose to be delivered.
The therapy takes advantage of cancer cells due to their impaired DNA repair mechanisms compared to normal cells that can rapidly repair itself. In radiation therapy, the total radiation dose is divided into multiple daily treatments so that some DNA damage to normal cells can be repaired while damage to cancer cells increase over time leading to total cancer cell death. [2]
Process Of Radiation Therapy
- Prescription: It is the first step of the treatment method. The prescription includes details about the exact part to be treated, dose schedule and overall time period.
- Planning: Here, X-ray images of the body part is obtained which are to be treated.
- Treatment plan: Here. individual's treatment plan is made using software that models areas of the body at which maximum and minimum radiation beams are to be delivered and in what dose.
- Treatment delivery: In this process, after the verification of each procedure, the radiation dose is delivered which may continue for 4-6 weeks.
10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Asafoetida (Hing)
Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy
Some of the side effects of radiation therapy include:
- Itchiness, dryness and blisters on the skin
- Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Difficulties while urinating
- Sexual dysfunction
- Mouth sores
- Tooth decay
Wheezing In Children? Is It A Sign Of Asthma? Types, Causes And Treatments
To Conclude
Radiation therapy varies from person to person. The treatment can be effective for some people while may not for others. Also, the treatment can be expensive, considering the use of complex machines and services and overall dose. Consult a medical expert and know about the whole treatment plan.
- healthExclusive: Cervical Cancer In India, Doctor Shares Preacautions And Treatments That One Needs To Be Aware Of
- healthTV Actor Dolly Sohi Passes Away Due To Cervical Cancer, Know The Early Signs That Are Beyond Early Detection
- healthGhazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas Passes Away Due To Pancreatic Cancer, Know Risk Factors, Prevention, Treatments
- healthNew Study Finds Links Infertility In Men With Increased Risk Of Cancer For Them And Their Relatives
- healthIs Pancreatic Cancer Curable? Know The Causes, Warning Signs, And Treatment Of This Uncommon Silent Killer
- insyncBaba Vanga's Prophecy For 2024 May Come True With New Vaccine In Russia For Cancer
- healthDetecting Bowel Cancer: 10 Signs Of This Silent Killer To Watch Out For And Seek Medical Attention
- health10 Cancer Fighting Foods That Help That Play Significant Role In Supporting Body's Natural Defences
- healthWorld Cancer Day 2024: 5 Simple Daily Habits To Reduce The Risk Of Developing Cancer
- healthWorld Cancer Day 2024: Messages, Greetings, Wishes, Texts, Images, FB And WhatsApp Status
- healthExclusive: Poonam Pandey Didn't Die Of Cancer, However, It Does Spark Urgency For Cervical Cancer Awareness
- healthErotica Star Poonam Pandey 'Dead From Cervical Cancer' Stunt: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Of Cervical Cancer