What is the primary purpose of radiation in cancer treatment?

• A. Destroy tumor cells or control tumor growth
• B. Cure cancer completely
• C. Repair tissue
• D. Increase tumor size

Answer: (A)

Radiation therapy is used to damage the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer divide, which leads to cell death or the stopping of tumor growth. This is its primary purpose: to destroy tumor cells or control how quickly the tumor enlarges, thereby reducing tumor burden and helping manage the disease. While radiation can contribute to cure in some cases, it isn’t guaranteed to completely eradicate cancer for every patient, and that uncertainty isn’t its defining goal. It also isn’t meant to repair tissue or to increase tumor size. Instead, it’s a targeted treatment designed to maximize tumor killing while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.