Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two of the most common treatments used for cancer.

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to increase the likelihood of eradicating the cancer cells completely. While chemotherapy can be effective in killing cancer cells, it can also cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. The radiation is usually delivered externally, but it can also be delivered internally through implanted radioactive sources. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and multiplying. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. Side effects of radiation therapy can include skin irritation, fatigue, and damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.

Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be effective in treating cancer, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type and stage of cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s overall health, the characteristics of the cancer, and other factors, such as the location and size of the tumor.