P7- nuclear radiation in medicine Flashcards
1
Q
What are the uses of radiation in medicine?
A
Diagnostic Scans/xrays or treatment cancers (killing cancerous cells)
2
Q
How does a radioactive tracer work?
A
It travels through the body and can be detected outside the body showing potential problems.
3
Q
What factors do you need to consider when choosing an isotope for use in medicine?
A
Half life of sample used and its penetrating power.
4
Q
How is radiation used to destroy cancer cells?
A
At high doses, radiation therapy kills cancer cells or slows their growth bydamaging their DNA. Cancer cells whose DNA is damaged beyond repair stop dividing or die.
