What is a risk associated with radiation therapy for cancer?

Radiation therapy for cancer is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. One of the notable risks associated with this form of therapy is the potential for the development of new cancer. This occurs because exposure to radiation can also affect healthy, normal cells, which may later become cancerous. The risk for secondary cancers is particularly relevant many years after the initial treatment, as the radiation may induce genetic mutations in the surviving cells.

This understanding of radiation's impact highlights the importance of careful consideration and management in selecting radiation therapy as a treatment option, weighing the immediate benefits of tumor control against the long-term risks. The development of new cancer is a significant concern that both patients and healthcare providers must discuss thoroughly when considering treatment plans.