Radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation to kill cancer cells or damage them so
they cannot grow, multiply or spread. The radiation is usually in the form of focused x-ray
beams, also known as photons. It can also be in other forms such as electron beams, proton
beams or gamma rays from radioactive sources . It is a localized treatment, which means it
generally affects only the part of the body where the radiation is targeted.

Radiation therapy kills or damages cancer cells in the area being treated. Cancer cells
begin to die days or weeks after treatment starts, and continue to die for weeks or months after
it finishes. Although the radiation can also damage healthy cells, these tend to be less sensitive
than the cancer cells and can usually repair themselves. You should not feel any pain or heat
during radiation therapy, but some side effects can cause pain or discomfort.

Radiation therapy kills or damages cancer cells in the area being treated. Cancer cells
begin to die days or weeks after treatment starts, and continue to die for weeks or months after
it finishes. Although the radiation can also damage healthy cells, these tend to be less sensitive
than the cancer cells and can usually repair themselves. You should not feel any pain or heat
during radiation therapy, but some side effects can cause pain or discomfort.