Radiotherapy: A Modern, Precise and Effective Treatment Approach for Cancer

After a cancer diagnosis, it is natural for patients and their families to have many questions—What treatment is needed? How long will the treatment take? What side effects can be expected? And is it necessary to travel abroad for treatment?

Radiotherapy is an important and widely used treatment modality in cancer care. Depending on the type, location and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health, radiotherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. With advances in technology, radiation can now be delivered to targeted areas with greater precision, helping focus the treatment on the tumour while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Radiotherapy may be used for different purposes. It can be used with the intention of controlling or treating cancer, before or after surgery, in combination with chemotherapy, or in certain cases to relieve cancer-related symptoms and pain.

Radiotherapy may be required at different stages of cancer. Whether a patient needs radiotherapy, what dose is appropriate, and which type of radiotherapy should be used are determined by specialist physicians based on the type, location and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall treatment plan.

With continuous technological advancements, radiotherapy can now be planned and delivered with greater precision than ever before. Careful patient selection, treatment planning, advanced imaging and modern radiation delivery technologies work together to make treatment more targeted and precise.

Many patients have concerns and misconceptions about radiotherapy. Simply hearing the word “radiation” can make some people feel that the treatment is extremely risky or unbearable. In reality, modern radiotherapy is a highly planned and carefully controlled treatment process. The type and dose of radiation are determined according to the patient’s cancer type, treatment goals and individual needs.

However, radiotherapy may cause certain side effects, which can vary depending on the area being treated, the radiation dose and the patient’s overall health. Therefore, it is important to have a detailed discussion with a Radiation Oncologist before starting treatment.

Cancer treatment can be a long and emotionally challenging journey. Travelling abroad for treatment may involve additional time, travel, accommodation and financial considerations, as well as being away from family and loved ones during a difficult period.

Today, patients in Bangladesh have access to a range of modern cancer care facilities. At Evercare Hospital Dhaka, patients can access modern radiotherapy technology, specialist Radiation Oncologists and a range of cancer care services under one roof.

Therefore, before considering treatment abroad as the only option, it is important to explore the advanced treatment facilities and specialist medical expertise available within Bangladesh.

If your treating physician recommends radiotherapy as part of your cancer treatment plan, it is important to consult a Radiation Oncologist at the appropriate time. After reviewing the patient’s medical reports and assessing the type and stage of cancer, the specialist will determine whether radiotherapy is required and, if so, which treatment approach is most appropriate.

Remember, time matters in cancer care. Seek the right advice from the right specialist at the right time.

Author

Dr. Biswajit Bhattacharjee

Senior Consultant & Coordinator

Department of Radiation Oncology

Evercare Hospital Dhaka