Chemotherapy And Radiotherapy
The statistics published by the American Cancer Society show that over half a million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Unfortunately, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and the fatalities only seem to increase. However, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are two of the best-known – and most effective – forms of treatment that are used to counterattack the damage done by the cancerous cells. People seem to confuse chemotherapy and radiotherapy quite often, but the truth is that they are two separate types of treatment, which at times might be administered in the same program.
What is the Difference Between Chemo & Radiotherapy?
It’s rather common for the average person to confuse chemotherapy and radiotherapy, since they are known treatments to fight cancer. However, the main difference relies in the method that is used to administer the treatment. Undoubtedly, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy are made to try to cure the patient by attacking the cancerous cells, and trying to slow them down. Moreover, when a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, he or she is receiving a drug directly in their bloodstream; this drug will then find the cancerous cells and destroy them, but there is a chance for healthy cells to get damaged in the process. In contrast, radiotherapy can be administered two basic ways: externally (radiation beam) and internally (container with radiation inserted in or close to the tumor).
Side Effects of Chemo & Radiotherapy
Just like any other type of treatment, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause side effects on the patients. People are different and their bodies might respond differently to the treatments; however, when there is low-dose the risks of presenting side effects are low. The following are some of the most common side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy:
- Chemotherapy
- Anemia
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Changes on the skin and fingernails
- Nerve alterations
- Radiotherapy
- Damages to the skin
- Sore throat and mouth
- Swelling
- Infertility (long term)
- Fibrosis (long term)
It’s important to understand that in order to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, you must be willing to accept the possible side effects that may accompany the process. The type of therapy that will be administered to you will be prescribed by your specialist or oncologist because it depends on the type and level of cancer that is being treated.
Having Surgery in Conjunction With Therapy
Some people might think that a patient must have either therapy or surgery, in order to be cured of the cancer. In reality, some patients might only have chemotherapy, others only radiotherapy, while others might have both, followed by surgery. Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, along with surgery, are three ways of treating the tumor or cancer; therefore, it’s quite possible for a patient to receive them all. Nonetheless, keep in mind that radiation and chemo can make a person very weak, and there are side effects associated with them both. Your oncologist will decide which treatment you will receive.