Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

One of the most effective treatments in the battle against cancer is radiation therapy. The whole premise is that a machine makes high energy waves that destroy cancer cells. It can be used in a wide variety of cancer including head and neck, breast, prostate and colon to name a few.

The problem is that radiation can destroy cancer cells but harm healthy ones as well. This can lead to side effects. The side effects last only a short time and will go away after treatments are done.
The most common side effects are depression, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Of course, the benefit -- or hopeful result -- is allowing the body and its healthy cells to overcome the cancer cells and win the battle.