Radioactive cobalt and radium are used for the treatment of

Radioactive cobalt (Co-60) and radium (Ra-226) are used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Cobalt-60 units deliver high-energy gamma rays for external beam radiotherapy. Radium was historically used in brachytherapy (internal radiation) - radium needles or implants placed directly in/near tumours. Both emit ionising radiation that damages cancer cell DNA, preventing replication. They are NOT used for typhoid (antibiotics), mumps (supportive care/vaccine), or tuberculosis (antitubercular drugs). Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment.