Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation for the treatment of tumors. It is also one of the three major cancer treatments, along with surgical procedures and chemotherapy.
Radiation is energy that is both invisible and intangible, so it is virtually pain free when a patient receives the actual radiation treatment. However, radiation therapy may cause side effects 2-3 weeks after starting the treatment. This is similar to the other forms of medical treatment, despite it being relatively insignificant compared to its therapeutic effect. The Department of Radiation Oncology at KUMC is applying preventive measures for these side effects and providing effective treatment for the disease.
