Truths and myths about radiotherapy
We are in the information age.
Nowadays we can clarify any doubts through a search from the palm of our hand.
However, we must ensure that the information we receive is true before we believe and share it.
In the case of radiotherapy and cancer there is too much exaggerated or erroneous information that does not benefit the researcher at all, it is important to check the source of the information before taking action.
This and many other reasons have led us to create this section revealing the truths and myths about radiotherapy with the help of a specialist medical oncologist.
What is radiation therapy?
It is one of the treatments for cancer, studied and proven.
It uses high doses of radiation that are focused on the patient’s affected or cancerous cells to destroy them and thus prevent them from reproducing and dispersing.
Along with chemotherapy and surgery, this treatment is the least common, however, it is efficient and safe for patients who need to treat a tumor with certain characteristics.
There has been a great scientific breakthrough, time and money have been invested in creating effective and safe machines that can apply radiation therapy to patients without affecting their health.
What do I need to know about this treatment?
- There are two types of application of this therapy, external and internal
The external application is done through a specialized machine, developed after years of scientific advances that currently allows focused radiation to be sent to the affected area or the tumor without affecting other areas.
For internal application, the radiation source is placed inside the body, either in liquid or solid form.
Treatment is individualized, each patient has a dose, frequency and individual specifications for their case.
These recommendations are made by the specialist and trusted oncologist who has the experience and knowledge necessary to choose the most efficient for their patient.
This therapy can be complemented with others such as chemotherapy or surgery depending on the need of each case and can be applied before, during or after each treatment.
It does not cause harm or radiation to other people, the therapy is specific and focused on the patient’s tumor.
A normal life can be maintained, surrounded by loved ones during the application of therapy.
It is an efficient management of cancer, in some cases it leads the patient to cure the disease, in other cases it is used to stop the growth of the tumor and some to prevent it from reappearing.
It can be applied to various types of tumors and anywhere in the body.
It will be up to the oncologist to decide what is most effective for each case.
What should I not believe?
The myths surrounding radiation therapy can be harmful to cancer awareness, here are some false beliefs:
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It causes damage to the patient's other organs, this is not true, thanks to the advancement of technology today the therapy focuses on the patient's damaged area.
The main goal is to destroy damaged cells and this is becoming more and more accurate. - It burns the skin, the precision of the therapy tries to prevent the skin from being exposed to radiation so as not to cause damage, so the most you can feel is a redness in the area that can be treated with creams immediately.
- It's painful, it's actually an almost painless treatment. Depending on the sensitivity of each patient, a tingling sensation or slight heat during the session can be prevented.
- The patient should stay away from household appliances, the real recommendation is to avoid exaggerated exposure to the sun in the affected area, while sources of heat, electricity or microwaves do not suggest any type of risk.
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You will lose your hair: No, this treatment focuses only on the area of the tumor, therefore, unless it is on the head, it does not cause hair loss.
This side effect is often confused with the effects of chemotherapy that does affect the patient's entire body. - It is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia, current machines have open designs that adjust to the requirements of each patient, so there is no longer the feeling of being enclosed inside the tube.
Although the discomforts that occur after therapy begins, such as tiredness, dizziness, swelling, must be considered, it can be considered a gentle and efficient treatment.
Remember that in case of doubts, it is best to talk to a specialist in the subject such as Dr. Roberto García, a medical oncologist who can treat you when you need it.
