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Radiotherapy 

We use radiotherapy (radiation) to kill cancer cells. It can be used in the early stages of cancer or, after it has started to spread.

Many people with cancer will have radiotherapy as part of their treatment. This can be given either as external radiotherapy, from outside the body using high energy x-rays, or from within the body as internal radiotherapy, for example, through injections.

Radiotherapy works by destroying the cancer cells in the treated area. Although normal cells can also be damaged by the radiotherapy, they can usually repair themselves.

Radiotherapy can cure some cancers and can also reduce the chance of a cancer coming back after surgery. It may also be used to control cancer symptoms.

If you need radiotherapy, you may go to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford or the Mount Vernon Hospital in Middlesex.