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

Eli5: a mosquito lands on your nose. Your friend hits you in the face with a plank. Your nose really hurts, but the mosquito is all kablooey.

The cancer is the mosquito. The plank is invisible radiation. And if you are in the US then your friend takes your house.