Medical and surgical

Radiation oncology

Radiation oncology uses radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, to treat cancer. Radiotherapy uses X-rays, gamma rays and other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells.

What is radiation therapy?

More than one in three Australians will develop cancer during their lives and half of these people will require some form of radiation oncology.

Radiation therapy uses X-rays to kill cancer cells and can be used in the early stages of treatment or when cancer has spread. It can also help to reduce the size of cancer or relieve other symptoms.

Depending on your condition, it can be given externally or internally.

The most common type of external radiotherapy is external beam radiotherapy. Internal radiotherapy is known as brachytherapy.

Our radiation oncology services

Radiotherapy may be provided in isolation or in addition to surgery or chemotherapy. Your doctor will advise the best course of treatment for you.

Our caregivers are available to guide you through the process of receiving radiotherapy to help you feel at ease.

Multidisciplinary support

Our radiation oncology service is complemented by an extensive multidisciplinary team. In addition to specialist radiation oncologists, the team includes:

cancer surgeons
medical oncologists
pathologists
clinical nurse consultants
clinical pharmacists
allied health care workers including dietitians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists
palliative care
pastoral care practitioners.

Preparing for radiotherapy

Before treatment, your radiation oncologist will explain the process, including planning and treatment, as well as potential side effects and answer your questions.

Our caregivers support you through the process and provide follow-up care after your sessions are complete.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may only need one session of radiotherapy, or you may need multiple sessions for several weeks.

We encourage you to bring a friend or family member with you for your treatment sessions. With your consent, they may remain with you for most of the experience however, they may be asked to leave at times for their own safety.

Benefits of our radiation oncology services

We deliver the highest possible standard of radiation oncology care by:

combining specialised and tailored care with highly advanced equipment and state-of-the art technology
offering reduced waiting times wherever possible
providing the expertise of highly specialised medical caregivers who will guide you through the full course of your treatment.