From the words of Allie Moreno, we can understand that cancer may be just one chapter in your life and not your entire story!

Radiation Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Cancer

Why Is Radiation Therapy Done?

What Are the Risks Associated with Radiation Therapy?

How to Prepare for Radiation Therapy?

What to Expect with Radiation Therapy?

Radiation Therapy Cost If Performed in India as Compared to Other Developed Nations

Radiation Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Cancer

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a crucial component in the treatment of various types of cancer. It utilizes high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells, reducing tumour growth and improving patient outcomes. Radiation Therapy cost in India is a luring factor to get this treatment done here!

Why Is Radiation Therapy Done?

Radiation therapy is employed for several purposes in cancer treatment:

• Curative Treatment: Radiation therapy can be used with the intent to cure cancer. It is often administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Additionally, it may be the primary treatment modality for certain cancers that are sensitive to radiation.
• Palliative Care: In cases where cancer cannot be completely cured, radiation therapy can alleviate symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life. It helps manage pain, control bleeding, and shrink tumours, thereby reducing discomfort and improving overall well-being.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Radiation therapy is used alongside other treatments like chemotherapy to enhance their effectiveness. By targeting residual cancer cells, it complements the systemic effects of chemotherapy and surgery.

What Are the Risks Associated with Radiation Therapy?

While radiation therapy is a valuable treatment option, it does carry some risks:

• Side Effects: Radiation therapy can cause temporary side effects, such as fatigue, skin changes, hair loss, nausea, and diarrhoea. These side effects vary depending on the area being treated and the individual’s response to radiation. Most side effects subside after treatment, but some may persist long-term.
• Tissue Damage: Radiation can harm healthy tissues surrounding the tumour site. However, modern techniques and precision equipment help minimize this risk, as radiation oncologists strive to deliver targeted radiation while sparing healthy tissue as much as possible.
• Late-Onset Effects: In rare cases, radiation therapy can lead to long-term complications, such as secondary cancers or damage to organs. However, the benefits of radiation therapy generally outweigh the potential long-term risks, and modern advancements have significantly reduced the occurrence of such complications.

How to Prepare for Radiation Therapy?

Here are some key steps to prepare for radiation therapy:

• Consultation: Prior to treatment, patients undergo a consultation with a radiation oncologist. This involves a physical examination, review of medical history, and discussions about treatment goals and potential side effects.
• Treatment Planning: During the planning phase, the radiation oncology team maps the target area using imaging techniques like CT scans. This helps determine the precise dosage and direction of radiation beams to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Depending on the treatment area, your doctor may advise certain lifestyle modifications. For instance, if radiation is targeting the chest, you may be asked to avoid exposure to sunlight and wear loose clothing to prevent skin irritation.

What to Expect with Radiation Therapy?

The radiation therapy process typically involves the following:

• Treatment Sessions: Radiation therapy is usually administered in multiple sessions called fractions, spread out over several weeks. Each session lasts for a few minutes and is painless.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: During treatment, the radiation oncology team will regularly monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. They will also address any concerns or side effects that arise.
• Continuing Care: After completing radiation therapy, regular follow-up visits with the oncologist will be scheduled to assess your response to treatment and monitor for potential long-term side effects.

Radiation Therapy Cost If Performed in India as Compared to Other Developed Nations

Radiation Therapy cost varies widely depending on the country and the type of treatment. In general, radiation therapy in India is more affordable compared to many developed nations. Factors such as lower infrastructure costs, superior hospitality and excellent care make India an ideal destination for getting this treatment done. Health Trawell can be your medical escort while you are here in India for this medical treatment.