Medical Physicist
How Radiation
Therapy Works
The medical physicist calibrates the
equipment to ensure that the correct
amount of radiation is given. The
physicist is also involved in treatment
planning.
Radiation in high doses destroys cells
or keeps cells from growing and
multiplying.
Cancer cells grow and multiply faster
than healthy cells. The goal of radiation
therapy is to destroy cancer cells with the
least amount of damage to normal cells.
Normal cells may be affected by the
radiation, but most of these cells recover.
Radiation can be used in several ways
during cancer treatment:
• Alone
• Before surgery to shrink a tumor
• After surgery to destroy cancer cells
that may remain
• With chemotherapy and/or
immunotherapy
Side effects from radiation therapy affect
only the part of the body being treated.
The type and amount of side effects vary
depending on the part of the body being
treated and the treatment dose. Your
doctor and team members will talk with
you about what to expect and how to
deal with any side effects. Rest, a well-
balanced diet, and light exercise are
very helpful during the course of your
radiation therapy.
Medical Dosimetrist
The medical dosimetrist works with
your doctor to calculate the amount of
radiation that is right for you.
Radiation Therapist
The radiation therapist positions you for
your treatment and runs the equipment
that delivers the radiation.
Radiation Nurse
The radiation nurse coordinates your
care and teaches you about your
treatment and how to manage your side
effects. The nurs e also assists the doctor
during exams and draws blood or does
dressing changes as needed.
Dietitian
The dietitian helps with any dietary
concerns and helps to manage side
effects that affect eating and nutrition.
Social Worker
The social worker helps to arrange for
any needed community or home care
services. Help with fi nancial concerns
can also be addressed.
The Radiation
Therapy Team
The radiation therapy team is made up
of many healthcare members. These
include:
Radiation Oncologist
A radiation oncologist is a doctor
who specializes in using radiation to
treat cancer. The radiation oncologist
prescribes the type and amount of
treatment that is right for you.
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