Who will look after me when I go for treatment?
A whole team of people will care for you. They may include:
Doctors
You will be looked after by a consultant clinical oncologist
. S/he is a doctor who is an expert in treating cancer
with radiotherapy
and will decide what treatment you need to have. The doctor and others in the healthcare team will review your treatment regularly.
Physicists
Physicists are experts in radiation. They work behind the scenes in a department called medical physics. They make sure the radiotherapy equipment is working properly and carry out regular safety checks. They also work with doctors and radiographers to plan your treatment.
Therapy
radiographers
Radiographers are health professionals who are trained to plan and deliver your course of radiotherapy, and to help you with your physical and emotional needs.
They work with doctors and physicists to plan your treatment. Then, at each of your treatment sessions, they help you to prepare, make sure you are in the right position, and operate the radiotherapy equipment. They will also give you information, advice and support.
Dosimetrists
Dosimetrists are experienced health professionals working within the radiotherapy physics team. They work with the doctors to produce a computerised treatment plan of your radiotherapy.
Mould room technicians
You may need to wear a shield or shell during your treatment, to keep you in the right position or to protect parts of your body around the treatment area. If so, the technicians in the mould room will make your device.
Others in your healthcare team
There are many other people who can help you. For example, a dietitian
can give you advice if you have eating problems because of your illness or treatment. A social worker can help with practical matters such as the financial benefits you might be able to claim. There may be a clinical nurse specialist (for example, a breast care nurse) who can give you expert advice about the type of cancer you have.