It is normal for anyone to feel a great deal of fear and shock when diagnosed with cancer. But with the advancements in medicine today, cancer is not an incurable disease. There are not only doctors but also a large number of other people who can help you and take care of you during this treatment journey. Among them, the most important and the one who works very closely with you is the "Radiation Therapist". Let's talk today about who they are and how they can help you.
Simply put, who is this radiation therapist?
Imagine that your doctor decides that you need radiation therapy for cancer. This entire treatment process is supervised and planned by a doctor who specializes in cancer. We call him a radiation oncologist .
Then, according to the plan created by this specialist, the radiation therapist is the skilled, trained professional who delivers radiation therapy to your body very accurately and safely, without moving even a millimeter .
Just like when building a large building, the role of this radiation therapist is like that of a skilled technician who, after the chief engineer draws the plan, implements that plan exactly and builds the building brick by brick.
They are an essential member of the cancer treatment team. During the days you are receiving treatment, this radiation therapist is often the one who spends the most time with you, checking on everything about you.
What are the main things a radiation therapist does?
Their responsibilities are a bit more. They do everything for your safety and the success of your treatment. Let's see what they do.
| Task | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Helping with treatment planning | Together with the specialist, we help you create calculations and computer simulations to precisely target the radiation beams to the cancer cells. The main goal here is to minimize damage to your healthy cells. |
| Ensuring patient safety | When administering treatment, their primary responsibility is to protect you from unnecessary radiation exposure. They follow all necessary safety measures to do so. |
| Operating treatment machines | They operate and control high-tech machines that deliver radiation (such as the Linear Accelerator - LINAC). They also check daily to make sure that those machines are working properly. |
| Patient comfort and monitoring | They will constantly monitor you for any discomfort, pain, or other unusual symptoms during the treatment. They will reassure you and provide you with the encouragement you need. |
| Informing the medical team | They inform the specialist and other members of the team (such as nurses) about your body's response to the treatment and any side effects you may experience. |
| Note-taking | Every detail, including the radiation dose you received, the date and time of treatment, is recorded very accurately. This is essential for the continuity of your treatment process. |
What happens when you go for treatment?
Imagine you go to the hospital for radiation treatment. The first person you meet and talk to is the radiation therapist. He or she will explain the entire process to you in simple terms.
He will try to ease your fears by saying things like, "Today we start the treatment. Don't be afraid. This will only take a few minutes. You won't feel anything. I'll be watching you the whole time."
Then, you will be taken to the room where the treatment machine is located and made to lie comfortably on the machine bed. Next, you will be positioned in the correct position to direct the radiation beams precisely to the cancer . Sometimes, a small dot-like tattoo may be made on the skin with a very fine needle to mark the treatment area. This is done to mark the same spot every time you receive treatment. It is not very painful.
Once you are positioned correctly, the radiation therapist will leave the room and operate the machine from the control room. But he will be watching and listening to you every second through CCTV cameras and an intercom system . He will tell you in advance to raise your hand if you feel any discomfort. As soon as the treatment is finished, the machine will be stopped and he will come back and help you get up.
What is the difference between a radiation therapist and a radiation oncologist?
Although they both work on the same team, their roles and educational qualifications are different. It is important to understand this clearly.
- Radiation Oncologist: This is the doctor who diagnoses the cancer, decides whether to give radiation therapy, how much, and for how long, and creates and supervises the entire treatment plan. He is the leader of the team.
- Radiation Therapist: This is the technical professional who carries out the doctor's plan . He or she is highly trained and has special knowledge of machinery and radiation safety.
Simply put, if an oncologist is the brain, a therapist is like the two skilled hands that carry out the instructions of that brain.
The challenges and biggest responsibilities of this job
Being a radiation therapist is a very honorable and valuable profession that can help someone. But it comes with great challenges and responsibilities.
1. Requires a high level of accuracy: Everything must be done with care and precision . Even the smallest mistake can affect the outcome of a patient's treatment. Therefore, you have to work very meticulously at all times.
2. Technical knowledge: The machines they operate are very complex. It is their responsibility to maintain, operate, and check their quality.
3. Mental strength: They work every day with patients who are suffering from serious diseases like cancer, who are afraid and anxious. While treating them with kindness and compassion , they need to have a strong mind to fulfill their professional responsibilities properly. Giving the patient mental strength is also part of their job.
A radiation therapist is not just a technician. He or she is like a good friend who listens to a patient, comforts them, and encourages them during their most difficult times.
If you ever have to undergo radiation therapy, feel free to talk to your radiation therapist. Share your fears and concerns with them. They are trained to help you both medically and emotionally. They will do a great job of making your treatment journey easier.
Take-Home Message
- A radiation therapist is an essential member of the cancer treatment team.
- They provide radiation treatment safely and accurately, according to the specialist's (Radiation Oncologist) treatment plan.
- They operate high-tech machines and constantly monitor your safety and comfort during treatment.
- They are not only a technical professional, but also a kind person who provides psychological comfort and encouragement to patients.
- If you have any concerns or fears about your treatment, never hesitate to talk to them or your doctor.
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