What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiation?

Radiation therapy can be helpful in treating and destroying tumors in the body, but it can also cause long-term damage to tissues. There are many advantages and disadvantages of radiation. Radiation can be used in the form of X-rays to detect unseen problems in the body, but it can also cause skin rash and other ailments.

According to the National Cancer Institute, side effects of radiation can include fatigue, skin changes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, and even urinary and bladder changes. On the other hand, radiation therapy is the most effective way to achieve control and fight breast cancer and other forms of cancer, according to the National Institute of Health.