Radiotherapy is one of the most used and trusted cancer treatments in the world. If you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with cancer, you may be asking What is radiotherapy and how does it work? This treatment uses controlled radiation to target and kill cancer cells while sparing as many healthy cells as possible. Understanding how it works will help reduce fear, build confidence and prepare you for the next steps of your cancer journey.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know in plain English—how radiotherapy works, why doctors recommend it, what to expect during treatment and how it can help outcomes. We will answer your questions, clear up common myths and help you feel informed and supported as you navigate cancer treatment options.
What Is Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Doctors use this treatment to shrink tumours, stop cancer spreading or reduce symptoms when cancer causes pain or discomfort. It works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells so they can’t grow or survive. Healthy cells can repair themselves more easily; that’s why radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for many types of cancer.
In simple terms, radiotherapy is a targeted treatment that focuses radiation only on the affected area. It doesn’t make you radioactive and doesn’t spread through the body like chemotherapy. Depending on your condition, your care team may use radiotherapy on its own or combine it with surgery, chemotherapy or other treatments to get better results. Knowing what radiotherapy is helps patients feel more comfortable and prepared when looking at cancer treatment options.
How Radiotherapy Works
Radiotherapy works by using high-energy rays—usually X-rays—to damage the DNA inside cancer cells. When the DNA is damaged, the cancer cells can’t grow and eventually die. Healthy cells can repair themselves faster than cancer cells, which is why radiotherapy can target tumours while keeping most normal tissues safe. Understanding this step-by-step process will help you feel more comfortable with what happens during treatment.
Step 1: Imaging and Planning
Before treatment starts, doctors use imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to locate the tumour with precision. This helps the medical team decide the right dose of radiation you need and map out the safest treatment plan.
Step 2: Positioning and Setup
During each session, you will be placed in the same position as during planning. This ensures the radiation hits the cancer cells exactly every time. Small marks or molds may be used to keep your body stable.
Step 3: Radiation Delivery
A radiotherapy machine—often called a linear accelerator—sends focused beams of radiation to the tumour. The machine never touches your body, and it’s painless. Each session usually takes a few minutes, depending on the type of radiation therapy.
Step 4: DNA Damage Begins
As the radiation reaches the tumour it breaks the DNA inside cancer cells. These damaged cells stop growing and eventually die. This happens gradually, which is why radiotherapy is often given over several weeks.
Step 5: Healthy Cells Recover, Cancer Cells Don’t
Healthy tissue can repair itself, but cancer cells can’t. Over time, the tumour shrinks and symptoms improve.
Step 6: Ongoing Monitoring
Throughout the treatment, your doctor will check on you, adjust doses if needed and help manage any side effects. This ensures the treatment is safe, effective and tailored to you.
Types of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can be delivered in different ways depending on the type of cancer, where it is and your overall health. Knowing these types will help you make sense of your treatment and feel more in control. Here are the three main types of radiotherapy used in cancer care today.
1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
This is the most common type of radiotherapy. A machine outside your body sends targeted beams of radiation to the tumour. Modern techniques like IMRT, IGRT, 3D-CRT and SBRT allow the doctor to shape the radiation with precision. This kills cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues. EBRT is used for breast, lung, prostate, brain and head-and-neck cancers.
2. Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy)
In this type, a small radioactive source is placed inside or very close to the tumour. Because the radiation is contained in a small area, brachytherapy is very effective for cancers like cervical, prostate and some breast cancers. It allows high-dose treatment in a shorter time with less effect on surrounding organs.
3. Systemic Radiotherapy
This treatment uses radioactive medicines that travel through your bloodstream to reach cancer cells. It is used for thyroid cancer, bone metastasis and some advanced cancers. Since the medicine targets cancer all over the body, it is used when the tumour cannot be treated by local radiation alone.
When is Radiotherapy Recommended?
Radiotherapy is used when doctors need a safe way to treat cancer. It’s recommended in several situations depending on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Understanding when radiotherapy is recommended will help you feel more prepared and confident about your treatment plan.
Radiotherapy is recommended when:
- The tumour can be shrunk or destroyed without surgery.
- Surgery is not possible due to the tumour’s location or the patient’s condition.
- The cancer is in a sensitive area such as the brain, breast, prostate or head and neck.
- To reduce the risk of cancer coming back after an operation.
- To relieve symptoms such as bone metastasis or pressure on nerves.
- It works best with chemotherapy, depending on the cancer type.
In short, radiotherapy is recommended when it’s the safest and most effective way to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. If you’re unsure what radiotherapy is and how it works for you, your cancer specialist will explain the purpose, benefits and expected outcome of your treatment plan.
Benefits of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy has many advantages that make it a vital part of cancer treatment. One of the biggest is the precision targeting of cancer cells. This means doctors can direct the radiation at the tumour and keep the surrounding healthy tissue as safe as possible. Because of this, precision radiotherapy is used to shrink tumours, kill remaining cancer cells after surgery or treat cancers that can’t be surgically removed.
Another big plus is that radiotherapy is non-invasive and painless, making it easier for many patients to cope during their treatment journey. It can also reduce symptoms such as pain or pressure from growing tumours and improve overall comfort and quality of life. For many people, radiotherapy increases survival rates when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. Knowing what radiotherapy is and how it works will help you feel more reassured that it’s a safe, effective and well-researched treatment used worldwide to treat many types of cancer.
Side Effects of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a safe and common cancer treatment, but like any medical procedure, it can have some side effects. These effects depend on the part of the body being treated, the dose of radiation and your overall health. Knowing the short and long-term side effects will help you prepare better and feel more confident during your treatment journey.
Short-Term Side Effects
Short-term side effects usually show up a few days or weeks after starting radiotherapy. These are temporary and will go away once treatment is finished.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired is the most common effect because your body is working hard to repair healthy cells.
- Skin Changes: The treated area may become red, dry or itchy like a mild sunburn.
- Hair Loss (in the treated area): Radiation only affects the targeted area, so hair loss is not the whole body.
- Nausea or Loss of Appetite: This happens mainly when the stomach or nearby organs are treated.
- Soreness or Swelling: Some patients feel mild swelling depending on the cancer location.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term side effects show up months or even years after radiotherapy. Not everyone will experience them, and modern radiation therapy aims to reduce these risks.
- Skin Texture Changes: The skin in the treated area may stay slightly darker or more sensitive.
- Stiffness in Nearby Tissues: Radiation can sometimes cause tissues to become firmer over time.
- Organ Specific Effects: Depending on where radiotherapy is given (breast, prostate, head and neck, etc.), your doctor will explain the risks to nearby organs.
- Fatigue That Lasts Longer: Some people experience long-term tiredness, but it usually improves with proper care.
Radiotherapy at Pinak Cancer Care & Superspeciality Hospital
At Pinak Cancer Care & Superspeciality Hospital, we get radiotherapy just right – balancing safety, accuracy and a patient’s comfort level. Our boss, Dr. Pankaj Singh, sees to it that each treatment plan really targets those cancer cells and leaves the healthy bits alone. We want to help patients get a clear idea of what radiotherapy is all about and how it works, so they can feel confident & in control right from the start of their cancer treatment.
Why Patients Choose Radiotherapy at Pinak Cancer Care
- Precision made easy: We’ve invested in the latest radiotherapy machines to make sure we’re zapping the cancer cells accurately and with a minimal impact on the rest of you.
- Plans made to order: Every single patient gets a treatment plan that’s tailored to their specific needs – type of cancer, stage of cancer and overall health.
- Your safety is always top priority: Dr. Pankaj Singh and his team of oncologists are always watching over every single session to make sure it’s both safe & effective.
- We’re with you, all the way: We’ll help guide you through managing side effects, staying active, and just generally feeling okay during your treatment.
- And for a lot of different types of cancer too: Radiotherapy is a good option for breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, you get the picture and a whole bunch more.
Also Read: https://pinakcancerhospital.com/is-cancer-genetic-family-history-and-risk/
Conclusion
Understanding what radiotherapy is and how it works can help patients feel more confident as they explore cancer treatment options. Radiotherapy remains one of the most effective ways to target and destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues. With advanced techniques, personalized planning, and expert supervision, this treatment offers strong outcomes for many cancer types. Whether used alone or combined with chemotherapy or surgery, radiation therapy plays a key role in modern cancer care. If you or someone you love is considering radiotherapy, knowing the process, benefits, and safety can make the journey easier and more reassuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is radiotherapy in simple words?
Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses controlled radiation to destroy cancer cells. It targets the tumor directly, helping slow or stop its growth while keeping nearby healthy tissue as safe as possible. It is one of the most common and effective treatments used worldwide.
2. How does radiotherapy work to kill cancer cells?
Radiotherapy damages the DNA inside cancer cells, making it impossible for them to multiply. Over time, these damaged cells die, and the body naturally removes them. Healthy cells recover faster, which is why radiotherapy can be safely used in many cancer types.
3. Is radiotherapy painful?
No, radiotherapy itself does not cause pain. The treatment feels similar to getting an X-ray, and most sessions last only a few minutes. Some patients may experience side effects later, such as skin irritation or fatigue, but the procedure itself is not painful.
4. How many radiotherapy sessions are usually needed?
The number of sessions depends on the type of cancer and the treatment plan. Some patients may need a single session, while others may need daily treatments for several weeks. Your oncologist creates a personalized plan based on your specific condition.
5. What are the common side effects of radiotherapy?
Side effects vary depending on the area being treated. The most common ones include tiredness, skin redness, mild swelling, or irritation. These usually appear gradually and improve after treatment ends. Your healthcare team will guide you on how to manage them safely.