Uses of nuclear radiation

Nuclear radiations are used in medicine for the:
• exploration of internal organs
• control or destruction of unwanted tissue.

**Gamma rays are used to treat cancer.**Patients with cancer are often treated with a form of gamma rays, called radiotherapy. A strong beam of gamma rays is aimed at the cancerous tissue. The cancerous tissue is killed due to the radiation exposure.
**Gamma isotopes are used as tracers.**A different form of gamma rays can be used as a tracer. Patients can be given an injection or a drink containing a gamma isotope. Using a special gamma camera, the isotope can be traced as it moves through the body.
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Iodine is used in the thyroid gland. A radioactive isotope of iodine can be used to check the function of the thyroid gland. The radioactive isotope will be absorbed and traced as it moves into the thyroid gland.

**Radiotherapy has lots of side effects.**Patients sometimes experience negative side effects of radiotherapy. A common side effect is radiation sickness, where patients get ill due to the radiotherapy.
Benefits can outweigh risks. Although radiation sickness can be seen as a negative risk of radiotherapy, there are often more benefits than risks with this method of treatment. Radiotherapy can kill cancer cells and remove tumours, which is a huge benefit to patients.
**Perceived risk depends on the patient.**Although there are facts and figures to outline risks and benefits of treatment, ultimately only the patient can decide how ‘risky’ a treatment will be for them. Therefore, perceived risk comes down to each individual patient.