Radiation destroys the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide.
Both normal and cancer cells are affected by radiation, but most normal cells recover or repair themselves. You may hear radiation therapy referred to by other names, such as X-ray therapy, cobalt treatments, external beam treatment, or irradiation. They all involve the same type of treatment but different types of machines may deliver the high-energy rays. You may experience some side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss and decreased blood cell counts. Your doctor can tell you what side effects to expect.