Eli5 How does radiation therapy actually work? Like how doesnt it break down more of the body and make the cancer worse or something like that? And does it target only cancer area or everything?

Question

Eli5 How does radiation therapy actually work? Like how doesnt it break down more of the body and make the cancer worse or something like that? And does it target only cancer area or everything?

In: 630

Answer 1

Radiotherapy only target the cancer area.

It’s strong enough to kill most cells that are dividing in the area.

Weak radiation increases the quantity of mutation and therefore the risk of cancer. Strong radiation kills the cells.

Radiotherapy affects plenty of healthy cells too, but since most of your cells aren’t rapidly dividing once you’re an adult, you’re mostly fine. You still get a lot of secondary effects from healthy cells dying.