Differences between therapeutic radiation therapy and exposure to excessive nuclear plant fallout radiation

Mar 21 2011

"The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (http://www.caro-acro.ca) is the voice for specialists in Canada who treat patients' cancer with radiation. In that capacity," explains Dr. Matthew Parliament, president of CARO-ACRO, "we work with proven, controlled, targeted application of various forms of radiation therapy to treat and cure cancer."

"In light of the events taking place in Japan related to the Fukushima nuclear accidents, resulting from the March 11, 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, our profession has a responsibility to help Canadians to understand the differences between safe, therapeutic radiation therapy vs. exposure to excessive fallout radiation resulting from a nuclear plant accident."

"First," continues Dr. Parliament, "we want to assure all Canadian cancer patients who are receiving radiation therapy for their cancer tumours, that medical radiation treatments are entirely safe. CARO-ACRO features a 'Radiation Therapy Myth Buster' on our web site at: http://www.caro-acro.ca/News/Media_Kit.htm, which addresses patients' concerns and questions."

"The three most common sources of radiation treatment for cancer are: high energy x-rays, from a machine located outside the body, which are focused precisely on a cancerous tumour to decimate the cancer cells; gamma-rays and beta particles, from radioactive medical sources that are surgically implanted in the immediate region of a cancer tumour, designed to kill the cancer cells; or, the injection or ingestion of controlled radioactive medicines that adhere to cancer cells, facilitating the visual evaluation of treatment efficacy, or the location of tumours in the body using Positron Emission Tomography (PET scans) - all proven, safe uses of radiation."

"Life on earth evolved over billions of years despite exposure to low levels of cosmic radiation from the sun, and natural sources of radiation, such as potassium in the ground. All living cells can repair radiation damaged DNA (genetic material). Excessive exposure to radiation can, however, rarely result in changes in DNA causing cell damage, and in rare instances, cancerous changes."

"Natural radiation is all around us," explains Dr. Parliament, "from the sun, outer space, the earth's soil and even bedrock. Safe limits of radiation exposure have been established by national and international agencies, which monitor public safety at all times. These agencies have set standards and monitor all human activities where exposure to radiation could adversely affect public health."

"In contrast," says Dr. Parliament, "when a nuclear plant incident takes place, such as the Fukushima nuclear facility accidents, steam and other gases can escape in to the general environment from the damaged reactor buildings, and can be found to contain radioactive iodine and cesium elements. Small amounts of these substances may have no risk for healthy adults, but are of concern for health effects if they are ingested by babies and children, even in small amounts."

"In terms of what we know of the evolving Japanese situation as of the evening of March 20th, it is extremely unlikely that Canadians living on Canada's west coast will be exposed to any fallout radiation of concern."