Who gives radiotherapy

A radiotherapist is a doctor who specialises in treating cancer with radiation. In the UK, radiotherapists who are also specialists in using chemotherapy and other drug treatments for cancer are called clinical oncologists. Overseas, many doctors specialise only in radiotherapy and are called radiation oncologists.

Your clinical oncologist works as part of a multi disciplinary team with other health professionals who are specialists in cancer treatment and care. This may include a surgeon, a medical oncologist (a doctor specialising in cancer drug treatment), specialist nurses, and physiotherapists among others.

You may still see your own GP (family doctor) during and after your radiotherapy. But while you are having the treatment you are in the care of a radiotherapist who plans, prescribes and supervises your treatment. You will see your radiotherapist or a member of their team regularly throughout your treatment. Between these appointments, you may be seen by a specialist nurse or radiographer.

The physicist, who works with the radiotherapist, is a specialist in radiation science. The physicist helps the radiotherapist to decide

• The best way of giving the amount of radiation prescribed
• How long you need treatment from a particular radiotherapy machine to give the right dose

The physicist also makes sure the radiotherapy equipment is accurate and safe.

You may meet the physicist at your first planning appointment, but they usually work behind the scenes. You may meet the physicist if you have internal radiotherapy.

Radiographers operate the machines that give you your treatment. They are highly trained in radiotherapy and patient care. They also work with the radiotherapist and physicist to plan your treatment.

You will usually see the same radiographers throughout your treatment so you get to know each other quite well. They can give you help and advice about your treatment. Don't worry about asking them anything you are concerned or anxious about. They can give you advice on coping with any side effects that you have.

Like hospital wards, the radiotherapy clinic has nursing staff - perhaps one charge nurse (or sister) and a team of nurses. They look after your general needs, such as

• Dressings
• Medicines - and much more

They also give you advice and practical support.

Social workers can advise about any problems you may have with

• Practical matters
• Money issues
• Getting counselling and emotional support for you and your family

They may refer you to local agencies who can help you at home. Some people can claim travelling expenses. Others may apply for a grant from a charity.

Many hospitals have a symptom control team. They give help and support to people whose symptoms or treatment are causing problems and they also link up with nurses who can continue to see you at home.

If you would like more information about radiotherapy, or you would like someone to chat to, contact our cancer information nurses. They will be happy to help.