Help in your fight against cancer: Let's learn about the Radiation Oncologist!

We all know that fighting cancer is not easy. There are many specialists who can help you and take care of you during this difficult journey. One of them is the Radiation Oncologist . You may have heard this name before. Today, let's talk about who this specialist is and how he can help you fight cancer in a simple way that you can understand.

Who is this Radiation Oncologist?

Simply put, a Radiation Oncologist is a doctor who is highly trained in the use of a special treatment called Radiation Therapy to treat cancer. In fact, this radiation therapy is one of the most powerful and effective treatments we have at our disposal to cure cancer and control symptoms such as pain caused by cancer. This method can even completely cure some types of cancer .

What exactly does a radiation oncologist do?

Okay, so what exactly does this radiation oncologist do for you? He or she performs a number of important tasks during your cancer treatment journey. Let's take a look at what they are.

• The first thing you need to decide is whether you need radiation therapy and whether it will really benefit you or cure you. This treatment is not suitable for every cancer or every patient. So it is his responsibility to choose it correctly and save you.
• If he decides that radiation therapy is right for you, he will also choose the radiation therapy method that best suits your type of cancer, the nature of the cancer, and your physical condition. Because there are different methods of radiation therapy.
• You will be told very clearly what your radiation treatment options are, how each method kills cancer cells , and what the pros and cons are. Don't have any doubts in your mind, you can ask anything.
• A radiation treatment plan is created that is specific to you. It's like tailoring a suit. Not everyone will get the same treatment. This plan will determine exactly how much radiation (dosage) is needed to kill the cancer cells, how it is given, and how many days it should be given. The most important thing is to target the radiation only where the cancer is,He tries his best to minimize the damage to the surrounding healthy cells as much as possible.
• We will discuss the treatment plan with you in detail . We will explain how the treatment will be given, how to prepare for it, what temporary side effects it may cause, and what can be done about them.
• The entire treatment process is closely monitored . He is not doing this alone. This treatment is provided to you by a skilled team of health professionals, including nurses, technologists, and physicists who specialize in radiation therapy.
• During treatment, you may experience various side effects. For example, skin changes, fatigue, etc. We will help you manage and cope with those side effects , and provide you with the necessary advice and medications.
• Even after treatment is over, you will be followed up regularly. This means that you will be checked to see how well the treatment has worked, whether the cancer has come back, and whether there are any long-term side effects.

How do you become a radiation oncologist?

Now you might be wondering how much learning and dedication it takes to become a specialist with such a complex responsibility. It's really a long, long journey. Take a look at the education and training they must complete:

• First, you need to earn a four-year university degree . This is usually completed in a science field such as biology or chemistry. This is the basic qualification to enter medicine.
• After that, you need to study for four or five years in medical school to obtain a medical degree (MD or MBBS). This is where you gain basic knowledge about the human body, diseases, and treatment methods.
• After graduating from medical school, you will need to complete a year of internship/clinical training . This can be in Internal Medicine, Surgery, or another basic medical field. This provides practical experience.
• After that, you need to undergo four to five years of specialist training, or residency , in the field of Radiation Oncology. This is when you learn about radiation therapy in depth and get hands-on experience with treatment.
• In addition, they must obtain specialist certifications from internationally recognized medical institutions (such as the American Board of Radiology) and continue to learn new medical knowledge and technology to update their knowledge (Continuing Medical Education). Because medicine is a constantly changing field.

Just imagine, with all this, you have to dedicate at least 10-12 years to studying and training!

Why do you need to see a radiation oncologist?

Okay, so when would you want to see a radiation oncologist? The main reason is to get treatment for cancer .

According to cancer organizations in the United States (e.g., the American Society of Clinical Oncologists), more than half of people with cancer will need some form of radiation therapy at some point during their treatment journey. This means that it is a very common and important treatment.

Also, sometimes, a person with a noncancerous tumor or benign tumor may need to see this specialist because some noncancerous tumors can be controlled or shrunk with radiation therapy.

What are the common cancers treated with radiation therapy?

Let's take a look at the most common types of cancer treated with radiation therapy. In fact, this treatment is used for many types of cancer that can develop anywhere in the body. Here are some of the most common and major types of cancer:

• Breast Cancer: Radiation therapy is very important for early-stage breast cancer, especially after surgery to remove the tumor. This reduces the risk of the cancer coming back in the same area.
• Lung Cancer: Doctors often use radiation therapy to treat both types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer . It may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery, or as the main treatment when surgery is not possible.
• Prostate Cancer: This cancer in men is sometimes treated with radiation therapy alone. Or, it can be combined with other treatments, such as hormone therapy. This can also yield good results.
• Head and Neck Cancers: Radiation therapy is also a main treatment for cancers that develop in areas such as the throat, mouth, and nose.
• Brain Tumors: Some types of brain tumors are also treated with radiation.
• Rectal and Gynecological Cancers: There are cases where radiation therapy can be used for these types of cancers as well.

These are just a few examples. Radiation therapy is used successfully for many other types of cancer.

What happens when you first meet with a radiation oncologist?

Imagine that your doctor has referred you to see a radiation oncologist. What happens during your first appointment ? Don't be afraid or anxious. It's a very important opportunity for you to get to know the doctor better, and for the doctor to understand you and your condition better.

The doctor then:

• We carefully study all your old medical records , investigation reports , and scan reports.
• You will be asked about your symptoms, family medical history, and other medications you are taking.
• Then a complete physical examination is performed.
• After doing all of this, he will talk to you in detail, in a language you understand, about your type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the radiation treatment he recommends, and its possible benefits and side effects.
• You can ask any question or doubt you have there. Don't be shy or afraid. Ask everything that's on your mind .
• Finally, your consent to the treatment will be obtained. Treatment will only begin once you are fully informed and in your best interest.

What are the important questions to ask your radiation oncologist?

When we meet with the doctor, sometimes we get nervous or forgetful and forget to ask important questions. Therefore, it is a good idea to make a list of things you want to know beforehand. Here are some important questions you can ask your radiation oncologist:

• What type of radiation therapy will I be given? (There are different types such as external beam, brachytherapy, etc.)
• What is the main goal of this treatment? (Is it to completely cure the cancer, control it, or reduce symptoms?)
• What are the short-term side effects of this treatment? (e.g., skin redness, fatigue, nausea)
• Are there any long-term side effects ? What are they?
• Where will I receive treatment? That is, which section of the hospital should I go to?
• How long does a treatment session usually take?
• How many sessions of this treatment will I need to have? How many days a week will I need to come? How long will the total treatment be?
• Are there any special restrictions I need to follow before, during, or after treatment? (For example, regarding food and drink, taking certain medications, sun exposure, etc.)
• How flexible is the treatment schedule? Can I skip a day if I have to travel urgently?
• Can I bring someone to help me during treatment?
• Who should I contact if side effects increase?
• How will this treatment affect my daily activities and work?

These questions are just examples. You may have more questions in mind. Ask them all.

Take-Home Message

Radiation therapy is a very powerful and effective treatment in the fight against cancer. It can sometimes completely cure cancer, prolong life, and reduce pain. A radiation oncologist is a highly trained and dedicated specialist who plans, administers, and cares for this important treatment. From deciding if this treatment is right for you to providing you with guidance and support throughout your treatment, their role is very important.

Having radiation treatment can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience. You may have many questions in your mind, such as 'I don't know what will happen', 'How will it be', 'Will it hurt'. It's very normal, everyone feels that way. Your radiation oncologist understands this very well. Don't be afraid, don't hide anything, and talk to him about all your questions and fears . They are always ready to explain things to you, teach you about the treatment process, and make this experience as easy as possible for you, and help you recover.

Remember, you are not alone in your fight against cancer. You will always have a healthcare team with skilled doctors, nurses, and other professionals to help you and take care of you.

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