Radio-Therapy, or Radiation Therapy, is the term given to a wide range of treatments, designed to stop or slow the growth of a Malignant Tumour.
This treatment is designed to deliver an precise dose of radiation to the cancer/tumour, whilst reducing to a minimum the dose received by the surrounding tissues and organs.
Radiotherapy is a form of treatment used in the control of localised Cancers. In Radiotherapy, radiation is either naturally occurring or artificially produced from radioactive elements. Patients who are undergoing radiation therapy usually receive small doses several times a week for a period of four to seven weeks. Therapy is usually conducted on an outpatient basis in the Radiotherapy Center, if the patient is well enough. Dosage is given depending upon the circumstances and the anticipated reaction of the tumour.
The equipment used to generate high-energy radiation is called a Linear Accelerator.
Chemotherapy, or the use of chemical agents to destroy cancer cells, is the best means of attack in many types of Cancer. Sometimes one type of chemical is sufficient; however, there are times that many different kinds of chemicals must be used to treat the Cancer. A Medical Oncologist will discuss with the patient what treatments are available for their specific type of Cancer and will plan a treatment regimen that will work best for each person and specific cancer. After meeting with the oncologist to discuss a treatment plan, chemotherapy may be given either in our outpatient intravenous (IV) therapy room or the patient may be admitted to the Oncology Unit and receive treatment there, depending upon the specific treatment regimen. The Nurses in the Outpatient area and on the Cancer Unit have had special training in chemotherapy administration.