Radiation Therapy vs Chemotherapy: How Are They Different?
You have just heard the words, “You have cancer.” The next few minutes may feel like a blur. Doctors mention treatment options, and two words stand out: chemotherapy and radiation. You may ask yourself: Which one do I need? Is one stronger than the other? What is the real difference between radiation therapy and chemotherapy ? This blog explains radiation therapy vs chemotherapy in simple language so you can discuss options confidently with your doctor. What Is Chemotherapy? Chemotherapy (often called “chemo”) is a treatment that uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. These medicines travel through the bloodstream. This means chemo can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body. Doctors call this a “systemic” treatment because it works throughout the whole body. Chemotherapy can be used to: Try to cure cancer Shrink a tumor be...