Radiation Therapy Team

Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. Your radiation therapy team will work with you. Together you will set treatment goals, make a plan, and carry out the treatment. To be an active member of this team, ask questions when you don't understand what is happening. And let your team know how you're doing.

Your Team Members

• The radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. He or she develops and leads your treatment and follow-up.

• The radiation therapist works closely with the oncologist. He or she positions you, directs the machine, and delivers the radiation to the cancer site.

• The radiation oncology nurse answers your questions, gives you information, and helps you manage treatment side effects.

• The physicist and dosimetrist assist with the technical aspects of your care. They calculate the exact dose of radiation you'll receive. They also help decide the best shape and angles for the treatment beams.

• The receptionist greets you when you arrive. He or she gives you information, helps with paperwork, and directs your questions to the right team members.

Treatment Goals

The goals of radiation therapy can include:

• Curing cancer

• Killing cancer cells that remain in the treatment area after surgery and/or chemotherapy

• Controlling cancer for a period of time

• Reducing symptoms of cancer, such as pain

Deciding on a Treatment Plan

Your medical evaluation helps develop your treatment plan. Your doctor will check your medical history, examine you, and perform some tests. Then your doctor and radiation therapy team can target the exact treatment site. The team decides the amount of radiation to be given and the total number of treatments you need.