Debunking Common Myths About Radiation Treatment for Cancer

Radiation Therapy or radiotherapy in Chandigarh, is one of the most important milestone advancements in the field of oncology and cancer treatment. This groundbreaking treatment option has not only proven to be highly effective, but has also given new hopes towards a cancer-free life to the patients, and strengthened the doctors like never before. However, unfortunately, there is a wide range of misconceptions and myths prevalent among the patients and common people regarding this treatment, which makes them suspicious about the treatment, which results in the creation of unnecessary anxiety in the patients receiving this treatment, and sometimes even steering away from the treatment they need.  In this article, we will discuss some common and widespread myths about radiation therapy for cancer and debunk them. 

 

1. Radiation Therapy is Painful

This is the most common myth associated with radiotherapy treatment. However, this is not true. Radiation Therapy itself is painless. It is as painless as getting an X-ray. However, the patient might feel some sort of discomfort of irritation in the area of the treatment after the procedure. However, these things are easily manageable by the medications provided for them.

 

2. Radiation Therapy causes hair loss in all parts of the body

Another widespread myth about radiation therapy for cancer is that it causes hair loss everywhere in the body. However, hair loss related to radiation therapy is only seen in the area which is being treated. Hence, hair loss is localized. This is different from chemotherapy, which causes the patient to lose hair all over the body.

 

3. Radiotherapy treatment makes the patient Radioactive

External Beam radiation therapy, which is the most common type of radiotherapy, does not make the patients radioactive. The radiation passes through the body of the patient without leaving any residues behind. In some cases of internal radiation therapy, radioactive material is placed inside the body of the patient temporarily, however, these are closely monitored and looked after by the doctors. A patient can live a normal life with his family and friends after the procedure.

4. Radiation Therapy can lead to radiation-related cancer

Though radiotherapy treatment involves exposure to radiation, the risk of developing radiation-induced cancer is extremely low. This therapy is given by experienced oncologists and best cancer specialist in Chandigarh, who closely monitor the doses administered to the patients and make sure that the doses are kept under the safety levels so that they can work on the cancerous tissue without harming the surrounding tissues.

5. Radiation therapy is only for advanced stages of cancer

radiotherapy in Chandigarh is one of the most versatile treatment options for cancer. It is not used solely for the advanced stages, but can also be used in early stages of cancers. It can be used to shrink tumors before the surgery or to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. Hence, it can be used at different stages of cancer to treat the patients.

 

6. Radiation therapy causes severe side-effects

It is true that radiotherapy treatment can cause certain side-effects, but the intensity of these side-effects varies from patient to patient and these are mostly easily manageable by the medications. Side effects are usually not severe or unmanageable. Some common side effects can include fatigue and changes in the skin, but the cases of their severity are not very common.

 

7. Radiation Therapy is not effective

radiation therapy for cancer is one of the most effective treatment options available for the treatment of patients. This therapy is versatile and can be used as a standalone treatment option, or in combination with chemotherapy and surgery. It is highly successful because it works by destroying the DNA of the cancer cells, so that they cannot grow or divide. With various advancements and developments, radiation therapy has become more effective and accurate than ever before.

 

8. Radiation therapy can only be used once

With different advancements that minimize the effect of radiotherapy treatment on the surrounding tissues, radiation therapy can be used repeatedly. This depends on a wide range of factors, including the type and location of cancers and overall health of the patient.

 

9. Radiation therapy is only for adults 

radiotherapy treatment can be used effectively in both adults and children. Pediatric Oncologists make sure that the treatment given is properly monitored and has no long-term ill-effects.

 

10. Radiation therapy is used when it is the only option left

radiation therapy for cancer is not used as the last option, but it is an integral part of many cancer treatments and can be effectively used to treat various kinds of cancers.

 

If you are looking for best cancer hospital in Chandigarh or best cancer doctor in Chandigarh, you are at the right place. Sohana Hospital Mohali, with it’s latest and the most advanced technology, and best cancer specialist in Chandigarh, provides the most comprehensive and world-class treatment for different kinds of cancers, so that your loved ones can have another chance at the life, they deserve. With your determination and our expertise, this fight against cancer can be conquered! Contact our experts now!