Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi has inaugurated its Radiation Therapy facility, providing treatment to cancer patients using Brachytherapy equipment.
About Radiation therapy (Radiotherapy):
It is a cancer treatment that kills cancer cells by exposing them to ionizing radiations like X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy electrons, or heavy particles. There are two main types: External (Teletherapy), which uses a linear accelerator to send radiation from a distance to target cells, and Internal (Brachytherapy), where the radiation source is placed inside the body.
This treatment is highly effective for various cancers, including brain, breast, head, neck, and cervical cancers, while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. However, it can lead to side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and loss of appetite.
