Cochise Oncology

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Radiation Oncology vs. Chemotherapy: What's the Difference?

People learning about cancer treatments can receive a vast amount of new information in a short time. Radiation oncology and chemotherapy are two forms of cancer treatment you may hear about. Both are powerful tools for fighting cancer, but they work differently and are used for different types of cancer.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of medical oncology covering various chemical treatments. Chemotherapy includes many types of drugs that treat different types of cancer in many ways. This treatment often targets rapidly dividing cells by disrupting the replication process. Your doctor may use chemotherapy to stop cancer from growing or eliminate it completely.

What is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology is a way to treat cancer using radiation energy. Radiation oncology devices use computer guidance to send intense beams of radiation into tumors. This process damages the DNA of cancer cells, killing them. Newer forms of radiation are extremely precise and cause minimal damage to cells outside the tumor.

Radiation Oncology vs. Chemotherapy: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between radiation oncology and chemotherapy is how they work. Radiation works using energy that damages cancer cells, while chemotherapy eliminates cancer cells with chemical treatments. Both are effective ways to stop cancer cells from dividing. When these cells cannot divide, tumors stop growing and may shrink.

The administration of these treatments is very different. You may take chemotherapy as a pill or visit your provider for IV treatments. For radiation treatments, your provider uses a computer-guided machine that emits tightly focused beams of energy. You will not feel this energy while it works.

These treatments also address different types of cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy are two of the most common cancer treatments; some people will receive both. However, radiation therapy is more effective for solid tumors that can be targeted by radiation energy, while chemotherapy can travel through the blood to wherever cancer cells may be located.

Today’s chemotherapy and radiation oncology have fewer side effects than older treatments. However, both can have side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy often affect areas like the hair and digestive system that have rapidly dividing cells. Radiation therapy is more likely to cause localized effects in the treatment area.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

Do I Need Chemotherapy or Radiation Oncology?

Only your oncologist can determine whether chemotherapy or radiation oncology will work best for you. Many treatment plans will include a combination of radiation and chemotherapy for better results. By attacking cancer in two different ways, these forms of treatment can treat more cancer cells more quickly. Some forms of cancer are treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy alone. Your medical team will discuss your treatment plan and what you can expect.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.

Take the Next Step

Do you have questions about chemotherapy or radiation oncology? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page.