Radiation - The Patient's Pathway
Palliative care is specialised health care for those suffering from a terminal disease.
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which substantial doses of radiation destroy cancer cells and reduce tumours.
Radiation - The Patient's Pathway
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which substantial
doses of radiation destroy cancer cells and reduce tumours.
Where Technology and Care Are One
Where Technology and Care Are One
Cancer symptoms are reduced and treated by radiation treatment. Radiation treatment can treat cancer and either cure it, stop it from returning or limit its progress. Palliative therapies are those that are used to alleviate symptoms. For example, external beam radiation may decrease the tumour to address pain and other issues brought on by the tumour, such as breathing difficulties or loss of bowel and bladder control. In addition, systemic radiation treatment medications, known as radiopharmaceuticals, can be used to treat cancer pain that has progressed to the bone.
How Radiotherapy Is Used
Radiation therapy could be the sole option for some patients. However, radiation therapy is typically combined with other cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. To increase the likelihood that the treatment will be effective, radiation therapy may be administered before, during, or following these other therapies. Whether radiation treatment is intended to treat the disease or relieve symptoms will determine when it is issued, as will the type of cancer being treated.
How Radiotherapy Is Used
Radiation therapy could be the sole option for some patients. However, radiation therapy is typically combined with other cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. To increase the likelihood that the treatment will be effective, radiation therapy may be administered before, during, or following these other therapies. Whether radiation treatment is intended to treat the disease or relieve symptoms will determine when it is issued, as will the type of cancer being treated.
Prevention Services That Help Save Lives
Cancer takes its toll on our lives, but early detection can help
minimise its effects. Try our preventative services today
Prevention Services That Help Save Lives
Cancer takes its toll on our lives, but early detection can help minimise its effects. Try our preventative services today
When radiation is administered alongside surgery:
- Make cancer smaller before surgery so it can be removed surgically and is less likely to come back.
- During surgery, it bypasses the skin and travels directly to the malignancy. This type of radiation therapy is known as intraoperative radiation. This method makes it simpler for medical professionals to shield neighbouring healthy tissues from radiation.
- After surgery, eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
