Question: what is radiotherapy,and how is carried out,and the reason for carrying it out

Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:

Radiotherapy is a medical treatment that uses high doses of ionizing radiation to destroy or damage cancer cells and shrink tumors. It works by damaging the DNA inside the cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Radiotherapy can be carried out externally using a machine called a linear accelerator that directs radiation beams at the cancer from outside the body (external beam radiotherapy), or internally by placing radioactive materials directly inside or near the tumor (brachytherapy). It is commonly used to treat various types of cancer, either on its own or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy, and may also be used to relieve symptoms in advanced cancer cases.