Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases and needs proper attention and treatment. Radiation is performed on cancer patients so that the growth of cancer cells can be seized. To perform this treatment, a specialist is required, who has acquired a degree or specialization in radiation. A radiation oncologist surprise is someone with complete knowledge and skills to offer radiation to cancer patients.
Along with offering the treatment to the patient, they also determine whether the patient is in a condition to take this option, its potential benefits, and side effects.
Radiation therapy
Normal cells within our body grow, multiply and divide. However, cancer cells do all of these but faster than normal cells. That’s why, it is important to stop their growth immediately. Chemotherapy and radiation are two ways to stop their growth. Radiation is the localized way of destroying the cells in which only the affected portion is given the radiation.
The doctor may advise radiation therapy based on the medical condition of a patient. He may advise this therapy alone or as a part of treatment along with other therapies. You must know that this therapy also has side effects on the human body. Moreover, there are a specific number of radiations that the affected area may receive. However, if the patient gets cancer back in some other part of the body, which is far enough from the earlier one, he can get radiation on the newly affected area. It also increases the chances of regrowth of the cancer cells.
List of questions to ask your radiation oncologist
You might be worried about radiation therapy and have several questions about it. You must discuss them with a radiation oncologist and prepare yourself before undergoing the treatment. Some of these questions are enlisted below:
- What type of radiation is recommended?
- Number of radiations
- Potential benefits and side-effects
- Is therapy suggested to treat cancer or make you feel better?
- Possibility of working in the office
- Skincare regime after the surgery
- Lotions and creams to apply on the skin
- Should you stay away from family members or friends during or after the radiation?
- Should you go to crowded places?
- Over-the-counter medicines
It is suggested to follow all the steps recommended by the radiation oncologist. Based on the reports and your current medical conditions, he will suggest the best treatment.
