The 3 Steps of Treatment
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that uses radiation to treat cancer.
Radiation therapy carefully administers regulated doses of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
If your provider has recommended radiation therapy, here is what you can expect:
Step 1: Consultation
Your consultation appointment will take about an hour. You will meet with a radiation oncology nurse to discuss your current and past medical history and review any medications you may be taking.
You will also meet with a radiation oncologist who will review your medical history and test results.
During this time, you will learn if you can benefit from radiation therapy. Procedural details and potential side effects of treatment will be explained to you. If the radiation oncologist feels additional tests are necessary, they will be ordered for you.
What to bring to your consultation appointment:
- A list of your current medications and the dose taken
- Health insurance card
- Advanced directive or medical power of attorney, if relevant
- A list of questions you would like to ask
Step 2: A Treatment Plan
If the radiation oncologist recommends it, and you agree that radiation therapy would benefit you, there will be another appointment made to plan your treatment. This planning session involves a simulation where the radiation oncology team determines the placement of the radiation beams. This helps ensure the prescribed radiation is accurately targeted to the affected area while minimizing the impact on nearby healthy tissues. The simulation session will last approximately one hour.
Step 3: Beginning Treatment
Once your treatment plan has been determined, we will work with you to find the best radiation treatment time. Treatments are scheduled during the week, and your appointment time will be the same throughout treatment.