Introduction to Radiation Therapy for Cancer

Summary

This script explores the omnipresence of radiation in daily life and its crucial role in cancer treatment. It explains how radiation therapy, using high-energy waves, targets and destroys cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. The video delves into external and internal radiation methods, detailing the treatment process, patient positioning, and potential side effects. It emphasizes the importance of discussing the treatment plan with a doctor to understand expectations and self-care during and post-treatment.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Radiation is a natural part of our environment, including light, heat, and microwaves, and is also used in cancer treatment.
• 🏥 More than half of cancer patients receive radiation therapy, which uses high-energy waves to target and kill cancer cells.
• 🔬 Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer and the patient's condition.
• 🎯 High-energy radiation targets cancer cells because they divide faster and are less able to repair the damage compared to normal cells.
• 🌐 There are two main types of radiation therapy: external, using an X-ray machine, and internal, also known as brachytherapy, where radioactivity is placed near or in the tumor.
• 📍 The choice of radiation type depends on various factors including cancer type, location, spread, patient health, and other treatments.
• 🛠️ Medical machines are used to produce and focus radiation into a beam that can be precisely aimed at the cancerous area.
• 📏 External radiation is typically a localized treatment, with careful planning to minimize the impact on healthy cells.
• 👩‍⚕️ Tools like masks and molds are used to ensure patient positioning remains consistent throughout the treatment sessions.
• 🗓️ External radiation therapy usually involves multiple sessions, given five days a week for several weeks, with each session lasting less than an hour.
• 🛑 Patients must remain still during treatment to ensure the radiation targets the exact location, but they do not need to hold their breath.
• 🌡️ Internal radiation uses small radioactive sources placed within or near the tumor, which can be temporary or permanent.
• 🚨 Possible side effects of radiation therapy include skin changes, fatigue, and other symptoms depending on the treated area, most of which are temporary and resolve after treatment ends.
• ℹ️ It's crucial for patients to discuss their treatment plan with their doctor to understand expectations, self-care, precautions, and the risks and benefits of radiation therapy.

Q & A

What is radiation and why is it all around us?

Radiation is a form of energy that includes light, heat, radio waves, and microwaves. It is all around us because it is emitted by various sources such as the sun, TV remote controls, and even some minerals.

How is radiation used in cancer treatment?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It is effective because cancer cells divide faster than normal cells and are more susceptible to damage from radiation.

What are the common types of radiation therapy?

The common types of radiation therapy are external radiation, which uses an X-ray machine to aim radiation at the body, and internal radiation, also known as brachytherapy, which involves placing radioactive sources near or into the tumor.

Why is radiation therapy effective in treating cancer?

Radiation therapy is effective because it can shrink and destroy tumors without causing much damage to normal tissues. The high-energy waves target the rapidly dividing cancer cells, damaging them and preventing further division, leading to cell death and tumor shrinkage.

How is the decision made regarding which type of radiation to use for a patient?

The decision to use a specific type of radiation is based on factors such as the type and location of the cancer, whether the cancer has spread, the patient's overall health, and other treatments the patient may be undergoing.

What is the process of external radiation therapy like for a patient?

External radiation therapy usually requires a series of treatments given five days a week for 2 to 10 weeks. The patient is positioned using special marks, and the treatment is delivered by a machine that cannot be seen or felt. The process is typically painless and does not require hospitalization.

What tools are used to ensure accurate delivery of radiation therapy?

Tools such as masks and molds are used to maintain the patient's position during treatment. These help ensure that the radiation is consistently aimed at the correct location.

What are some common side effects of radiation therapy?

Common side effects of radiation therapy include skin changes at the treatment area, such as itching, dryness, blistering, or a rash, as well as fatigue. Other side effects may include diarrhea, hair loss, mouth dryness, nausea, and changes in sexual function.

How does internal radiation therapy differ from external radiation therapy?

Internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive sources, which can resemble seeds, pills, or wires, inside or near the tumor. This type of therapy is used for cancers in specific areas such as the head, neck, breast, and prostate, and has different side effects depending on the area treated.

What precautions should a patient take during and after radiation therapy?

Patients should discuss their treatment plan with their doctor to understand what to expect, how to care for themselves during and after treatment, and any necessary precautions. This includes information on managing side effects and potential long-term effects.

Where can one find more information on radiation therapy?

For more information on radiation therapy, one can visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Understanding Radiation Therapy

This paragraph introduces the concept of radiation therapy, explaining that radiation is a common element in our daily lives, from sunlight to microwaves. It highlights that radiation is also used in cancer treatments, with over half of cancer patients receiving some form of radiation therapy. The paragraph discusses how radiation therapy works, targeting cancer cells by damaging them with high-energy waves, leading to their death. It also touches on the different ways radiation can be administered, such as external radiation using an X-ray machine or internal radiation through brachytherapy, and the factors that influence the choice of treatment method.

05:03

🏥 External and Internal Radiation Therapy

This paragraph delves deeper into the specifics of external and internal radiation therapy. External radiation is described as using an X-ray machine to direct radiation towards the body, while internal radiation involves placing radioactive sources near or within a tumor. The decision on which type of radiation to use is based on various factors, including the type and location of cancer, the patient's health, and other treatments they may be undergoing. The paragraph also explains the process of external radiation therapy, including the use of tools like masks and molds to ensure accurate positioning, and the typical treatment schedule of five days a week for several weeks.

10:04

🛠️ Treatment Process and Side Effects

This paragraph focuses on the treatment process of radiation therapy, detailing the steps a patient goes through, from being greeted by a radiation therapist to the actual treatment. It describes the use of special inks to mark the skin, ensuring accurate targeting of the radiation. The paragraph also addresses the use of internal radiation therapy, where radioactive sources are placed inside the body, and the potential side effects of both treatment types. Common side effects include skin changes, fatigue, and other symptoms depending on the area being treated. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to discuss the treatment plan with the doctor and seek more information from the American Cancer Society.

Keywords

💡Radiation

Radiation refers to the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, and in the context of this video, it specifically denotes the high-energy waves used in cancer treatment. The script explains that radiation is omnipresent in everyday life, from sunlight to microwaves, and is a crucial component of cancer therapy, with over half of cancer patients receiving some form of radiation therapy.

💡Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment encompasses the various methods used to eliminate or control cancer cells. The video script highlights radiation therapy as a common treatment, where high-energy waves target and destroy cancer cells more effectively than normal cells due to their rapid division and lack of repair mechanisms. This keyword is central to the video's theme, illustrating the application of radiation in medical settings to combat cancer.

💡Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a medical procedure that uses ionizing radiation to treat cancer. The script details how radiation damages cancer cells, leading to their death, and how it can be used in conjunction with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. It is a key concept in the video, showing the multifaceted approach to cancer management.

💡High-Energy Waves

High-energy waves, as mentioned in the script, are a type of radiation used in cancer therapy. They are effective at penetrating tissues and damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which are more susceptible to such damage due to their rapid cell division. The script uses this term to describe the mechanism by which radiation therapy works to combat cancer.

💡External Radiation

External radiation is a form of radiation therapy where the radiation source is outside the body, typically using an X-ray machine to direct the beams at the tumor. The script explains that this is the most common method, emphasizing its precision in targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

💡Internal Radiation

Internal radiation, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive material inside or near the tumor. The script describes this method as an alternative to external radiation, allowing for a more concentrated dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells, with the radioactive source taking the form of seeds, pills, or wires.

💡Tumor

A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, which can be either benign or malignant. In the context of the video, a tumor refers to a mass of cancer cells that radiation therapy aims to shrink or destroy. The script uses the term to illustrate the target of radiation therapy and the desired outcome of treatment.

💡Side Effects

Side effects are the unintended consequences of medical treatment. The video script discusses various side effects of radiation therapy, such as skin changes, fatigue, and potential long-term effects like infertility or organ damage. These are important considerations in the overall treatment plan and patient care.

💡Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy, as mentioned in the script, and refers to a feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. It is an important keyword as it highlights the physical impact of treatment on patients and is part of the broader discussion on patient experience during cancer therapy.

💡American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization on a mission to free the world from cancer. The script encourages viewers to visit their website for more information on radiation therapy, indicating their role as a valuable resource for patients and caregivers seeking education and support.

💡Treatment Plan

A treatment plan in the context of the video refers to the personalized strategy for a patient's cancer treatment, which may include radiation therapy along with other treatments. The script emphasizes the importance of discussing the treatment plan with a doctor to understand the expected outcomes, side effects, and necessary precautions.

Highlights

Radiation is a common form of cancer treatment, used in more than half of cancer cases.

Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy waves to kill cancer cells.

Radiation can be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.

Doctors discuss the use of radiation in consultation, tailoring it to the individual patient's needs.

Radiation therapy is effective in shrinking and destroying tumors with minimal damage to normal tissues.

Cancer cells are more susceptible to radiation damage due to their rapid division and lack of normal bodily regulation.

External radiation therapy is the most common method, using an X-ray machine to target the cancer.

Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive sources near or into the tumor.

The choice of radiation type depends on factors such as cancer type, location, spread, and patient health.

Radiation machines focus the radiation into a beam aimed at the cancer, with minimal effect on healthy cells.

Patients are marked with special ink to ensure consistent positioning during treatment.

Tools like masks and molds are used to accurately position patients for radiation therapy.

External radiation therapy typically requires a series of treatments, given five days a week.

Treatment sessions usually last less than an hour and do not require hospitalization.

Radiation therapists guide patients through the treatment process, ensuring proper positioning and comfort.

Internal radiation therapy uses small radioactive sources placed inside the body, targeting the cancer directly.

Side effects of radiation therapy can include skin changes, fatigue, and other symptoms depending on the treated area.

Long-term side effects may include infertility, sexual problems, lymphedema, and second cancers.

It is crucial for patients to discuss their treatment plan with their doctor to understand expectations and potential risks.

Transcripts

(pleasant tones)

(lush string music)

(subdued piano music)

>> [narrator] Everyday and everywhere,

we are surrounded by radiation.

The light we use to see, heat,

radio waves, and the microwaves we use to cook

are all forms of radiation.

The sun, TV remote controls, and even some minerals

are all sources of radiation.

Radiation is also a common cancer treatment.

In fact, more than half the people diagnosed with cancer

get some type of radiation therapy.

These treatments all have one thing in common--

they all use high-energy waves to kill cancer cells.

How radiation therapy is used depends on the cancer

and the individual patient.

>> When we meet in consultation,

we'll talk about how we use radiation

and when we use radiation.

And actually, most people,

as a part of their treatment for cancer,

receive radiation in some form.

Now, radiation can be used alone, as in prostate cancer,

or, in breast cancer for instance,

we use it with surgery and chemotherapy.

>> [narrator] Doctors use radiation therapy

to treat cancer because it is good at shrinking

and destroying tumors without causing much damage

to normal tissues.

The high-energy waves pass through the body

to reach the cancer.

Cancer cells divide faster than normal cells

and don't obey the rules of the body.

When the cancer cells are hit with high-energy radiation,

they are damaged.

If they don't die right away,

they die the next time they try to divide.

As the cancer cells continue to die, the tumor shrinks.

Most normal cells don't die with radiation therapy

because they are not dividing,

and they are better able to repair themselves.

>> Basically it comes down to external radiation

or internal radiation.

Now, external radiation is when we use

a very fancy X-ray machine,

and aim an X-ray into the body from away from the body.

That's the majority of what we do.

But oftentimes, we have the choice

of using internal radiation,

which sometimes is called "brachytherapy," too.

Now, internal radiation is when we use radioactivity

and place it near to, or into, a tumor within the body.

>> [narrator] The decision about which type

of radiation to use is based on the type of cancer,

the location of the cancer,

whether or not the cancer has spread,

the current health of the patient,

other treatments the patient is on or will be on.

Radiation for medical use is usually produced

by sources inside of machines.

The machines focus the radiation and create a beam

that can be aimed at the cancer.

The radiation coming from the machine

cannot be seen or felt.

In most cases, external radiation is a local treatment.

It is aimed at a specific part of the body.

Doctors plan the treatments

so the radiation is aimed at the cancer,

and has the smallest possible effect on healthy cells.

Your skin may be marked with a special ink

that will remain during the treatment.

The marks allow technicians to position you

the same way each time,

and make sure that the radiation

is always hitting the right spot.

>> Radiation doctors have a couple tools we use

to help treat patients with X-rays

as accurately as possible.

One of these tools is a mask.

This is just a plastic shield that they put over your head,

and, for instance, if you had a tumor of the mouth,

we have to make sure that it stays in the same position

every day during treatment, and the mask does this for us.

Again, it's only used sometimes, in some patients,

just for a couple minutes every day.

Another tool for positioning a patient is a mold.

For instance, if you were being treated for prostate cancer,

we would make a mold of your legs,

just so your legs are in the same position every day.

Again, this is something that's just used during radiation

and, of course, it's not painful,

but it just helps us be as good as we can

as we deliver the radiation on a daily basis.

>> [narrator] External radiation therapy

often requires a series of treatments.

It is usually given five days a week,

Monday through Friday, for 2 to 10 weeks,

depending on the type of cancer and its location.

Sometimes, treatments might be given twice a day.

The treatment usually takes less than an hour,

and you do not need to stay in the hospital.

Before treatment, a radiation therapist will greet you

and may ask you to put on a gown.

The therapist will then take you into a treatment room

and guide you through the treatment.

>> All right, Mrs. Johnson,

this is gonna be the treatment room

that you're treated in every day, okay?

So what's gonna go on today

is I'm gonna set you up to the marks

that we have on your sides.

I'm gonna lower your pants down to about mid-thigh,

and your underwear, and I'll keep you covered

the whole time, okay?

So once I have you lying down flat on your back,

this machine is gonna rotate around you.

The X-ray imagers are gonna come out to the sides,

and we're gonna take some X-rays.

The doctor is then going to check those X-rays

for positioning and make sure that everything

is exactly the way it was when you were planned.

And then, we will start your treatment after that, okay?

>> Okay. >> So it will only take

about 20 to 25 minutes. >> Okay.

>> All right, so I'll go ahead and take your jacket

and we can get started.

>> [narrator] While you're being positioned on the machine,

your legs or feet may be secured

to prevent accidental movements.

>> Okay, Mrs. Johnson, this looks perfect.

This is exactly how you're gonna be sitting

every single day, okay? >> Okay.

>> All right, and let's just see these marks, okay?

Everything looks good.

You kept your marks well for us, okay?

I'm gonna go ahead and lift you up

and get you lined up.

>> [narrator] After you are put in position,

you will need to stay very still

to make sure that the radiation is going

to the exact same place each time.

But you do not need to hold your breath.

>> Okay, Mrs. Johnson, I've got everything lined up

right where I want it.

Just want you to hold still from here on out.

What's gonna happen first is we're gonna take those X-rays,

and I'll be talking to you over the loudspeaker.

I have two cameras watching you and I can hear you, too.

So if you have any problems, you just raise your hands, okay?

>> Okay. >> And I'll come back in the room.

I'll let you know before we start the treatment.

(machine whirring gently)

Okay, Mrs. Johnson, the doctor's reviewed all the images

and everything looks great.

We're gonna go ahead and start your treatment now.

(machine whirring gently)

We're almost finished, Mrs. Johnson, just hold still.

You're doing great.

Okay, Mrs. Johnson, you can relax your arms.

We're all finished.

You did great.

(soft upbeat music)

>> [narrator] Internal radiation therapy

uses radiation that comes from tiny radioactive sources

placed inside the body.

The radiation source can look

like a small seed, pill, or wire.

The implants are placed in or around the cancer by a doctor.

If needed, you will be asleep,

or the area will be numbed while this is done.

Although the radiation is close to the target

and does not travel very far,

some normal cells are damaged and side effects may occur.

>> When we use internal radiation,

we put it in temporarily in some cases,

or we'll put it in permanently and it just stays forever.

Now, the radiation wears off,

and then what's left behind is very harmless to a patient.

>> [narrator] Internal radiation therapy

is used for cancers of the head, neck, breast, uterus,

cervix, prostate, gallbladder, esophagus,

eye, lung, and some others.

Each type of internal radiation treatment is different,

so it is important to ask questions

about any treatment plan.

In most types of radiation therapy,

the area exposed to radiation is limited.

The possible side effects depend on the area being treated.

>> Radiation on a daily basis is actually painless.

It's just like getting a chest X-ray,

you don't feel a thing.

But during treatment, the kind of side effects

you might experience, say, if we were treating the prostate,

would be urinating more frequently,

or going to the bathroom more frequently, or getting tired,

and that's just the effect of the buildup

of radiation in that area.

>> [narrator] Some common side effects

for almost all types of radiation therapy

include skin changes where the radiation is aimed.

These might include itching, dryness, blistering, or a rash.

You might also feel fatigued or unusually tired.

Side effects usually go away within four to six weeks

after the end of treatment.

Other short-term side effects that may occur,

depending on the area being treated

include diarrhea, hair loss at the treatment area,

mouth dryness or mouth sores,

nausea and vomiting,

loss of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction,

swelling of areas being treated,

bladder problems, such as bladder irritation

that may cause you to urinate frequently.

Some possible long-term side effects,

again, depending on the area being treated,

might be infertility and sexual problems,

lymphedema or swelling of an arm or leg,

usually when combined with surgery,

joint and organ problems including pain and damage,

second cancers.

Whether you are getting internal

or external radiation therapy,

it is important for you to discuss your treatment plan

with your doctor.

You should ask your doctor what to expect,

how to take care of yourself during and after treatment,

precautions you may need to take,

and the benefits and risks of the treatment.

For more information on radiation therapy,

please visit the American Cancer Society

website at www.cancer.org.

(inspiring music)