Radiation Oncology
What is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation Oncology, also called Radiotherapy, is a key treatment for many cancers.
Radiation Oncology is a safe and effective treatment and is designed to destroy or retard cancer cells so they cannot multiply.
Why is Radiation Oncology Used?
The aim of Radiation Oncology is to:
- Cure The Cancer - some cancers can be cured by Radiation Oncology alone or combined with other treatments. For sarcomas, a course of radiation therapy is often delivered before the operation
- Control Cancer - Radiation Oncology can control some cancers by making them smaller or stopping them from spreading.
- Relieve Symptoms - if a cure is not possible, Radiation Oncology may be used to reduce cancer symptoms and prolong a good quality of life.
How Does Radiation Oncology Work?
Radiotherapy involves the controlled application of radiation to the cancer cells using high-energy x-rays, gamma rays, or electron beams to kill cancer cells using a machine called a 'Linear Accelerator'.
Focusing the radiation on the area to be treated reduces the impact of treatment on healthy areas of the body. Cancerous cells are more susceptible to radiation than healthy, non-cancerous cells and while normal cells can also be damaged they usually recover.
Are You a Candidate for Radiation Oncology?
In general, radiotherapy is suitable if the cancer is still localised and has not spread to other areas of the body.
A number of tests maybe carried out to see if Radiation Oncology will help, including:
- Checking pathology reports
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- PET scans
Radiotherapy Planning?
Treatment is individually tailored to improve efficacy, relieve symptoms and limit side effects. Radiation Oncology Planning, also called Simulation, is designed to help the Radiation Oncology team plan work out the best way to deliver the treatment to the affected area.
This usually involves a CT scan done in the Cancer Centre, under the supervision of the Radiation Oncologist. You will lie in the same position that will be used at Radiation Treatment.
Treatment Plan
The Radiation Oncology team will use the information collected during the Planning Sessions to work out the best way to deliver your treatment.
Side Effects
During Radiotherapy, some of the normal cells located close to the target area may be damaged due to their proximity, although care is taken so that radiation does not affect these areas, sometimes it is unavoidable.
Short-term Side Effects
Some patients feel discomfort in the area being treated, and the overlying skin may become irritated or inflamed. Some patients. feel a loss of energy and increased lethargy. For most people side effects settle down within a month of completing treatment.
Long-term Side Effects
A small number of patients may develop long term complications from radiation therapy. For most patients these long term side effects are mild.
If you suffer any side effects, it is important you let your doctor know as soon as possible so that appropriate help can be given. Resources are available to help manage many side effects experienced.
