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Radiation or Cobalt for Cancer Treatment

The National Cancer Institute indicates that half of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy either as the main treatment or in combination with other forms of treatment. Cobalt treatment is a radiation therapy used for treating cancer.

  1. Significance

    • The purpose of cobalt therapy is to kill cancer cells and prevent the cancer's spread to other organs. It can help destroy or damage the genetic materials of cancer cells, preventing their rapid growth and division.

    Benefits

    • Cobalt radiation therapy is a painless and localized form of treatment for cancers that cause damage only to targeted cancer cells. It is a versatile treatment against cancer that can be applied alone in any phase of treatment or in combination with other cancer treatments.

    Preparation

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are used to determine the precise location and size of the cancerous tumor. A radiation oncologist is responsible for determining the dose of radiation and treatment frequency.

    Side Effects

    • Nausea, hair loss, low blood count, fatigue and weakness are the general side effects of radiation treatment. Some may experience dryness and redness of skin, dryness of mouth and scarring.

    Risks

    • There is a risk of damaging normal cells with high doses of radiation, according to Yale University School of Medicine.

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