Radiation therapy, also referred to as radiotherapy, is a common treatment method for cancer. The procedure uses precisely targeted beams of radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells and prevents them from dividing and growing. Prior to the administration of radiation, a patient will undergo a simulation procedure to ensure that the radiation beams will be properly targeted at the cancerous cells.
The type and dosage of radiation therapy is tailored to each patient and their specific type of cancer. A doctor that specializes in the treatment of cancer is called a radiation oncologist.
