Which type of ray is known for killing cancer cells?

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Gamma rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that possess enough energy to penetrate tissues and cells, which makes them effective in the treatment of cancer. In radiation therapy, gamma rays are used to destroy or damage the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their inability to reproduce and ultimately causing their death. This precision and intensity allows medical professionals to target cancerous tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

While X-rays are also used for imaging and can be utilized in some forms of cancer treatment, gamma rays are specifically noted for their efficacy in more advanced treatments, such as those administered with cobalt machines or in brachytherapy, where radioactive sources are placed close to or within the tumors. Ultraviolet rays, while known for their role in causing changes in skin cells and possible cancers, are not used as a treatment method for existing cancers. Infrared rays do not have the necessary energy to affect cellular structures in the same way that gamma rays do, making them unsuitable for treating cancer.