Isotope of Cobalt is used in the treatment of

Isotope of Cobalt is used in the treatment of

Cancer.
Goitre.
Beriberi.
Crohn's disease.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
The radioactive isotope Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) is widely used in medicine, particularly in radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. It emits gamma rays which are used to kill cancer cells.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) decay, emitting radiation.
⁶⁰Co is a common source of gamma rays for external beam radiotherapy machines (historically known as ‘cobalt bombs’).
While radiotherapy is a key use, ⁶⁰Co is also used for sterilization of medical equipment and food irradiation due to its potent gamma radiation. Goitre is often treated with Iodine-131.