Radiation refers to the transfer of energy from one medium to another. Cells exposed to radiation, such as ultraviolet rays or by-products of nuclear reactions, absorb energy that can modify chemicals within the cells. Radiation has an effect on cancer, and the properties of radiation as a positive or negative factor in cancer have been well established.
Increased Rate of Genetic Mutation
In some cases, exposure to radiation can help drive the onset and development of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. At the heart of cancer growth are genetic mutations, which change the way the cell responds. Over time, multiple genetic mutations allow for a dysregulation of cell behavior and the uncontrolled proliferation that occurs in cancer. Repeated exposure to radiation, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation, significantly increases the risk of developing some forms of cancer such as metastatic melanoma.
Increased Oxidative Damage
Another way radiation promotes cancer is through oxidative damage, which occurs when radiation causes the formation of toxic chemicals called free radicals. Each cell contains thousands of water molecules, and radiation interacts with these molecules to form free radicals. Highly reactive free radicals circulate in the cell and damage proteins, fat molecules and DNA within the cell, damaging chemicals essential for regulation of cell growth. Continued exposure to radiation that causes oxidative damage can promote the development of cancer by indirectly increasing the rate of genetic mutations, which can eventually lead to cancer development, according to Probiox.
Promotes Cancer Cell Death
In some cases, such as radiation therapy, radiation helps damage and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy helps kill cancer cells by damaging the cells’ DNA. Each cell contains strands of DNA made up of billions of chemicals called base pairs, and the sequence of base pairs codes for thousands of genes. Radiation works by creating defects in the structure of DNA, called adducts, which increase the number of genetic mutations in the cells. Radiation can also break the strands of DNA, leading to the loss of large portions of DNA. Cells exposed to high doses of radiation undergo damage so severe that the cells cannot make the proteins needed for continued cancer growth, and the cells ultimately die.
