# Gamma radiation is used in the treatment of cancer tumours. Explain why gamma radiation is used for this purpose and describe the precautions that must be taken to protect healthy tissue during treatment.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 9.3 Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating / can penetrate the body to reach the tumour
2. Gamma radiation kills (cancer) cells / destroys the tumour
3. The beam of gamma radiation is directed at the tumour from multiple angles / rotated around the patient
4. This means healthy tissue receives a lower dose (than the tumour) / the tumour receives the highest dose while surrounding tissue is protected

## Key terms

- [gamma radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gamma-radiation)
- [tumour](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/tumour)
- [healthy tissue](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/healthy-tissue)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/gamma-radiation-is-used-in-the-f97d70f5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.