Understanding Radiation Therapy: A Guide for Patients and Families

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you're likely exploring different treatment options. One of the most common and effective tools used to fight cancer is radiation therapy, also called radiation treatment or radiotherapy. But what exactly is it, and how does it fit into a treatment plan?

In this blog, we'll walk you through what radiation therapy is, how it works, when it’s used and what to expect — from types to side effects and outcomes.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves (like X-rays, protons or radioactive materials) to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s a local, precise treatment, meaning it works on a specific part of the body where the cancer is located.

Radiation is a core part of many cancer treatment plans. Surgery and radiation are especially helpful in removing or shrinking large tumors. About 60% of all cancer patients are treated with radiation at some point during their treatment.

When is Radiation Therapy Used?

Radiation can be used on its own or alongside surgery and chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of your cancer. Radiation can be used:

• Before surgery, to shrink tumors.
• After surgery, to kill remaining cancer cells.
• Instead of surgery, when surgery isn’t an option.
• To relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

What is the Goal of Radiation Therapy?

The goals can vary, depending on your cancer type and stage, but typically include:

• Local control – destroying or shrinking the tumor in one specific area.
• Cure or long-term remission, either alone or in combination with surgery.
• Organ preservation, especially in cases like breast, bladder, rectal or head and neck cancers.
• Palliative care – easing symptoms like pain, bleeding or pressure caused by tumors.

Types of Radiation Therapy

There are several types of radiation therapy, each chosen based on your specific cancer and location in the body. There are different types:

• External beam, where a machine directs beams of high-energy radiation toward the tumor. The energy may be X-ray, electron beam, proton beam or neutron beam.
• Internal beam or brachytherapy – radiation “seeds” or solid source placed inside your body, close to cancer cells to treat smaller tumors in the head, neck, breast, cervix, uterus or prostate. Or systemic, which delivers liquid radioactive material into your bloodstream to locate and destroy cancer cells — either swallowed or given by IV injection.

How Effective is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. It can:

• Cure certain cancers on its own.
• Enhance outcomes when combined with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Prevent recurrence by targeting any leftover cancer cells.
• Improve quality of life by reducing symptoms.

Its effectiveness depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, or whether it’s used alone or with other treatments.

What are the Outcomes?

Radiation therapy is one of the most carefully studied and widely used cancer treatments in the world. Many patients go on to live full, active lives — either cancer-free or with well-managed disease.

Your doctor will discuss your personalized goals and what success looks like for your unique case, whether that’s curing the cancer, prolonging life or improving comfort.

Final Thoughts: What to Ask Your Care Team

If you're considering radiation therapy, here are a few questions you may want to ask:

• What type of radiation will I receive?
• What are the goals of this treatment?
• How many treatments will I need?
• What side effects should I expect?
• How will this fit into my overall treatment plan?

Radiation therapy is a proven, carefully planned treatment that can be a powerful part of your cancer care.

Visit Bayhealth.org/Cancer-Institute to learn more about the comprehensive services available at the Bayhealth Cancer Institute.

Written by Tony Lee, MD, a specialist in Radiation Oncology who sees patients at both Kent and Sussex Campus.