Meet the Radio Oncology Team

The radiation oncology team includes:


Radiation Oncologists

Radiation oncologists are the doctors who will oversee your radiation therapy treatments. These physicians work with the other members of the radiation therapy team to develop your treatment plan and ensure that each treatment is given accurately. Your radiation oncologist will also monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as necessary to make sure the radiation is hitting its target while minimising side effects. Before, during and after your radiation therapy treatments, your radiation oncologist works closely with other cancer doctors, such as medical oncologists and surgeons, to maximise the radiation's effectiveness.

Radiation oncologists have completed their initial medical degree, one year of general medical training, and five years of specialty training in radiation oncology. They have extensive training in cancer medicine and the safe use of radiation to treat disease.

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Radiation Oncology Nurses

Radiation oncology nurses work together with radiation oncologists and radiation therapists to care for you. They will assist you to manage any side effects you may experience during your treatment. They will assess how you are managing throughout your treatment and will help you cope with the changes you may experience.

Radiation oncology nurses are licensed registered nurses. Many registered nurses in radiation therapy have additional accreditation in the specialty of oncology nursing.

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Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists undergo a three year degree program which is university based after which a further year of training is completed in a hospital under the guidance of qualified Radiation Therapists before they are licensed.

Using the Radiation Oncologist's prescription of the dose and volume to be treated, the therapists use advanced computer programmes to plan the optimum treatment for each individual patient. When the Radiation Oncologist has given final approval for the plan, the information is formatted ready for daily delivery of treatment.At each treatment the Radiation Therapist accurately positions the patient, reproducing the position used in simulation. The Radiation Therapists then deliver the treatment. They maintain daily records and regularly perform quality assurance checks on the treatment machines.

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Medical Radiation Physicists

Medical physicists are responsible for developing and directing quality control programs for equipment and procedures. Their responsibility also includes making sure the equipment works properly by taking precise measurements of the radiation beam and performing other safety tests on a regular basis. Medical phycicists are available to advise Radiation Oncologists and Therapists on unusual complexities encountered in the planning process.

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Other Healthcare Professionals

You may work with a number of other healthcare professionals while undergoing radiation therapy. These specialists ensure that all of your physical and psychological needs are met during your treatment.

Social Workers

Social workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They can provide counselling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis of cancer and with your treatment. They may also help arrange for home healthcare and other services.

Dieticians

Dieticians work with patients to help them maintain their diet during their treatments. They will help you modify your eating plan if the side effects of treatment are affecting your appetite, will determine what you can eat, and can provide recipes, menu suggestions and information on ready-to-use nutritional supplements. They address dietary issues and current developments that may affect cancer treatment outcomes.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists use therapeutic exercises to ensure that your body functions properly while you are undergoing treatment. These exercises are used to help manage side effects, alleviate pain and keep you healthy.

Dentists

Dentists may be involved in the care of patients who are receiving radiation for oral or head and neck cancers. They will help prevent the radiation from damaging the healthy areas of your mouth and oral cavity, and may recommend that you have preventive dental work prior to radiation. They will also help you manage oral complications of cancer therapy, such as dry mouth.

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