All questions · What each treatment is doing

Isn't radiation bad for you?

Large uncontrolled doses are harmful. Radiation therapy is a measured dose, aimed at one place.

The plan is worked out on scans and computers so the dose lands on the cancer and as little as possible reaches anything else.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

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Content last updated 25 September 2026 · How we write these cards · Report a problem with this card

These cards are for learning. They are not medical advice and do not replace talking with your own doctor.