Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology refers to the use of high energy x-rays (radiation therapy) to help stop cancer cells from growing. Radiation therapy is carefully planned to deliver as much radiation as possible to the cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells.

Radiation therapy can be delivered through external beam radiation, meaning the radiation comes from outside of the body, or through internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), which uses radioactive sources that are placed into the body.

The type of radiation therapy you receive depends on many factors, including

• The type of cancer
• The size of the cancer
• The cancer's location in the body
• How close the cancer is to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation
• How far into the body the radiation needs to travel
• Your general health and medical history
• Whether you will have other types of cancer treatment
• Other factors, such as your age and other medical conditions

Learn more