How does radiation therapy work in treating breast cancer?

How does radiation therapy work in treating breast cancer?

• A. By using low-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• B. By using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
• C. By enhancing the immune response against cancer cells
• D. By directly removing tumors from the breast

Answer: (B)

Radiation therapy is a critical component in the treatment of breast cancer, primarily using high-energy rays, such as X-rays and gamma rays, to target and destroy cancer cells. This method works by damaging the DNA within those cells, which inhibits their ability to replicate and grow. As a result, over time, the cancer cells die off, leading to tumor shrinkage and potentially preventing the cancer from returning. This approach is particularly useful in various stages of breast cancer treatment, either after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or as a primary treatment in certain cases where surgery may not be immediately suitable. The high-energy radiation is precisely directed at the tumor area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which is a crucial aspect of its effectiveness and safety. While other options present alternative methods of treatment, they do not specifically describe how radiation therapy functions. For instance, low-energy rays would not be effective in killing cancer cells as high-energy rays do. Enhancing the immune response is more related to immunotherapy rather than radiation therapy. Lastly, directly removing tumors is a surgical approach, which is distinct from the non-invasive nature of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is a critical component in the treatment of breast cancer, primarily using high-energy rays, such as X-rays and gamma rays, to target and destroy cancer cells. This method works by damaging the DNA within those cells, which inhibits their ability to replicate and grow. As a result, over time, the cancer cells die off, leading to tumor shrinkage and potentially preventing the cancer from returning.

This approach is particularly useful in various stages of breast cancer treatment, either after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or as a primary treatment in certain cases where surgery may not be immediately suitable. The high-energy radiation is precisely directed at the tumor area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which is a crucial aspect of its effectiveness and safety.

While other options present alternative methods of treatment, they do not specifically describe how radiation therapy functions. For instance, low-energy rays would not be effective in killing cancer cells as high-energy rays do. Enhancing the immune response is more related to immunotherapy rather than radiation therapy. Lastly, directly removing tumors is a surgical approach, which is distinct from the non-invasive nature of radiation therapy.