Nuclear Radiation vs Medical Radiation

Renewed interest in the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who helped develop an atomic bomb during World War II, has sparked many questions about nuclear radiation. One such question concerns the difference between nuclear radiation and medical radiation.

Though similar in some respects, the radiation released from an atomic bomb is very different from the radiation released from radiation therapy equipment. While nuclear fallout causes biological and environmental disasters, radiation therapy treats cancer and saves lives. 

In this blog, we offer a closer look at radiation as well as the myths and misconceptions surrounding radiation therapy.

The 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II have left a lasting impression on how we think about radiation. However, not all radiation is bad.

At its simplest, radiation refers to particles that carry energy and momentum. These particles are emitted from various sources, both natural and man-made. The sun, for instance, produces ultraviolet radiation. Meanwhile, the microwave in your kitchen heats leftovers using electromagnetic radiation.

Radiation can also be found in medical settings. Diagnostic tests like X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and mammograms all rely on low doses of electromagnetic waves to create images of bones and internal structures. These images help doctors diagnose diseases.

Radiation has therapeutic applications as well. During radiation therapy, for example, controlled doses of radiation are directed at cancerous tumors. This radiation destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. As a result, radiation therapy is considered one of the most effective cancer treatment modalities.

Despite its effectiveness, there are many myths about radiation therapy. One myth is that medical radiation is the same as what is found in atomic bombs and other nuclear weapons.

However, nuclear radiation is much more volatile than medical radiation. Exposure to nuclear fallout, or the radioactive particles that are dispersed after a nuclear explosion, can cause serious health issues such as radiation sickness, cancer, bone marrow suppression, and birth defects.

Comparatively, medical radiation is administered in much lower and more controlled doses. Though side effects are possible, strict protocols are followed to minimize unnecessary exposure and ensure patient safety.

Beginning cancer treatment can be unnerving, especially if you don’t know what to expect from radiation therapy. To ease your nerves, we address many of the common myths and misconceptions about radiotherapy below.

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their ability to divide and grow.

This treatment modality is incredibly effective, so effective that 40 percent of individuals cured of cancer have received radiotherapy as part of their treatment plan¹. Put simply, radiotherapy helps patients celebrate more birthdays and spend more time with the people they love.

There are other reasons why you may consider radiation therapy when working with your doctor to decide on a cancer treatment plan. These benefits include:

Radiation therapy is a local treatment, meaning it only affects a specific area of the body. This minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in fewer side effects compared to systemic treatments like chemotherapy.

For patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery, radiation therapy can provide an effective and minimally invasive treatment option.

Most radiation therapy sessions are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home after each session and maintain their daily routines.

Modern radiation therapy techniques have significantly advanced in terms of precision and control, allowing radiation oncologists to deliver higher doses of radiation more precisely to affected areas.

Sometimes complete removal of a tumor is difficult because of its size or location. Surgically removing a lung cancer tumor, for instance, may be considered too risky.

In these cases, radiation therapy can be used to shrink the tumor before surgery. Known as neoadjuvant therapy, this treatment plan makes the surgical procedure more effective and less invasive.

Alternatively, patients may receive radiation therapy after surgery, chemotherapy, or another cancer treatment. Referred to as adjuvant therapy, this intervention eliminates any remaining cancer cells that might not have been destroyed during the primary treatment.

Radiation therapy is also valuable for relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life in advanced or metastatic cancers. It can help reduce pain, bleeding, or other uncomfortable symptoms.

With so much misinformation on the internet, you may question the overall safety of radiation therapy.

Though it is completely normal to feel nervous about starting any cancer treatment, know this: Numerous protocols are in place to ensure the well-being of patients undergoing radiation therapy. These safety measures encompass all stages of the treatment process, from consultation to follow-up.

Key patient safety measures include:

Before radiation therapy begins, your radiation oncologist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your medical history, medications, allergies, lifestyle, and overall suitability for radiation therapy. During this phase, your doctor will also discuss the potential benefits and risks of radiation therapy.

Next, a team of experienced radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists will collaborate to create a highly customized treatment plan. This plan defines the appropriate radiation dose, treatment angles, and fields to maximize tumor control while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

During this step, your radiation oncologist and radiation therapist will also place you on a simulation machine. This specialized piece of equipment is used to obtain detailed images of your anatomy and precisely define the target area to be treated.

Since precision is key to treatment effectiveness, radiation oncologists use immobilization devices such as molds, masks, and cushions to ensure consistent patient positioning during treatment. Additionally, lead shielding is used to protect healthy tissues and organs from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Prior to each treatment session, your treatment plan will be carefully verified to ensure that the correct parameters and fields are being used. Any discrepancies will be addressed before treatment is administered.

State-of-the-art radiation therapy technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therap​​y and image-guided radiation therapy, allow for the precise delivery of radiation. Advancements in treatment planning software and technologies also ensure that radiation doses are carefully calculated to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

To further safeguard patient health, radiation therapists conduct regular quality assurance calibrations on treatment machines. This ensures that the equipment is functioning properly.

Patients are closely monitored by their cancer care team throughout the course of treatment. During regular follow-up appointments, medical professionals work with patients to alleviate side effects and modify treatment plans if needed.

Radiation therapy is a very safe and highly effective cancer treatment modality that targets and destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Rigorous safety protocols, advanced technologies, and careful monitoring further enhance patient well-being.

Unfortunately, there are countless myths about radiation therapy circulating on the internet. That being said, it is crucial that patients rely on reputable sources when making decisions regarding something so vital as cancer treatment.

For those in the Charlotte area, SERO at treatcancer.com is here to provide accurate information and top-notch radiation therapy services. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/