Radiation Oncology and Surgery Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It has the goal of destroying or shrinking tumors, prior to or after surgery, to reduce symptoms and prevent any remaining cancer cells from growing. Radiation therapy is typically used to treat cancers of the following: Brain Breast Head and Neck Prostate Thoracic As a part of Yale New Haven Health, Northeast Medical Group offers cancer care and treatment at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven and Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Centers throughout Connecticut. Learn more about Smilow Cancer Hospital Programs.