GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Radiation in Cancer Treatment

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Atomic structure Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation

Radiation in Cancer Treatment

2:03 Radiation in Medicine
Spec 4.4.3.3
Previous Choosing Radioactive Tracers Next Nuclear Fission
  • Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation can kill both cancer and healthy cells with high doses.
  • During treatment, patients lay on a table while radiation is directed from above or the sides.
  • Doctors operate the equipment remotely to minimize their own radiation exposure.
  • Intense gamma radiation is directed from outside the body onto cancer cells.
  • Gamma rays pass through tissue, ionizing cells along the way.
  • Gamma rays are directed from multiple angles to minimize exposure to surrounding healthy cells.
  • Chemical agents with alpha and beta emitters can be introduced into the body to target cancer cells internally.
  • These agents can be ingested, inhaled, or injected, targeting specific organs or cancer cells.
  • Alpha and beta radiation doses are used internally, avoiding tissue or bone obstruction.
  • Internal radiation causes less harm to surrounding cells and delivers a larger dose to cancer cells.
  • Understanding radiotherapy is important for explaining how and why radiation is used in medical procedures.

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