For a look at what life is like for Iraqis outside the capital, NPR's Melissa Block talks to Zaid Al-Ali, a former legal adviser in Iraq for the United Nations. A Look At Life In Iraq, Beyond Baghdad Listen Â· 5:29 5:29
Side effects of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy damages cancer cells. Healthy cells in the treatment area can also be damaged, even though steps are taken to protect normal tissue as much as possible. Side effects are caused by damage to healthy cells. Different cells and tissues in the body tolerate radiation differently.
Uncontrolled and rapid growth is characteristic of cancer cells. However, because normal cells also need to grow, and some grow quite rapidly (such as those in the bone marrow and those lining the mouth and intestine), all chemotherapy drugs affect normal cells and cause side effects.