What is the difference between chemo and radiation? (Chemotherapy & Radiation) Let's find out exactly

It is normal for us to feel a great sense of fear and shock when we hear the word “cancer.” The same goes for the words “chemo” and “ radiation .” Perhaps you or a loved one has been prescribed these treatments. You may have many big questions in your mind about what these are, why they are done, and what the difference is between the two. Don’t worry. Let’s talk about this very simply and kindly today.

Why is this treatment done? What are the main goals?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two of the main methods used to kill or control cancer cells. Simply put, cancer is a condition in which cells in our body grow uncontrollably and spread to surrounding tissues. So the main goals of both these treatments are similar.

• Complete cure: The primary and most important goal is to destroy all cancer cells in the body and prevent the cancer from coming back.
• Control: Shrinking tumors, slowing their growth, or stopping or controlling the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
• Relief : In some cases, cancer cannot be completely cured. In such cases, the goal of these treatments is to reduce pain and other uncomfortable symptoms by shrinking the cancer. We also call this “Palliative Care .”

How do these two work? Here's the main difference!

Although both chemo and radiation attack cancer cells, they are completely different methods. Understanding this difference will answer many of your questions about this topic.

Chemotherapy

Think of it this way: Chemo is a special type of medicine that travels throughout our entire body. This medicine is given as a pill or as a liquid (like saline) that is injected into a vein. This medicine gets into our bloodstream and travels throughout our entire body. Therefore, it can find and destroy not only the primary tumor where the cancer started, but also cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Because it affects the entire body system, we call it a “systemic treatment.”

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is not a type of medicine. It uses a beam of high-energy rays, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells. Think of it like a large torch shining a beam of light very precisely on a single spot. This treatment is usually called a “local treatment.” This means that the rays are only aimed at the specific area where the cancer cells are. Therefore, it does not affect the entire body.

How do you decide what treatment you need?

This is the biggest question many people have. “Do I need chemo? Radiation? Or both?”

This decision is made by the medical team, led by your doctor . Several factors influence it.

• The type of cancer you have.
• The stage of the cancer, which is how far it has spread.
• The location and size of the cancerous tumor.
• Your overall health.

Often, doctors don't limit themselves to just one treatment method. To achieve the best results, they may combine surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer treatments.Several methods, such as "targeted therapies" and " immunotherapy ," can be combined to create a treatment plan.

What are the treatment methods?

Both of these treatments usually require you to come to a hospital or clinic on specific days and receive them over a period of several weeks or months. However, the length of time and method of treatment varies from person to person. Let's take a look at the different methods of providing these treatments.

Let's also be aware of side effects.

This is the thing that scares everyone the most. Yes, when cancer cells are destroyed, some healthy cells around them may also be damaged. That causes side effects. But remember, these side effects vary greatly depending on the type of treatment, the amount, and each person. What works for one person may not work for another.

Some side effects that may occur in common with both treatments are:

• Tiredness
• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin changes (dry skin, redness, itching)
• Anemia, which means a lack of blood in the body

Difference in side effects

Because radiation is a local treatment, side effects are most common in the area being treated. For example, someone who receives radiation to the neck may have difficulty swallowing. Someone who receives radiation to the chest may have coughing or difficulty breathing.

However, because chemo is a systemic treatment, the side effects generally affect the entire body.

The most important thing is to tell your doctor or medical team about any side effects you experience, even minor ones . There are medications to control and reduce most of them. So don't keep anything to yourself and suffer.

Cancer, Chemo, Radiation, Cancer, Cancer Treatment, Side Effects, Sri Lanka