FP ONCOLOGY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.What does a clinical radiation oncologist do?

A radiation oncologist treats people diagnosed with cancer. As a result, a radiation oncologist will select the type of radiation therapy and the specific points of the body that should be targeted.

2.What forms of cancer does a radiation oncologist treat?

A radiation oncologist treats all forms of solid cancer, including some haematological malignancies such as lymphoma/plasmacytoma.

3.Is radiation oncology a painful treatment?

No. There are natural side effects to any treatment, which will be thoroughly discussed with the patient before the commencement of treatment.

4.Does radiation therapy present with fewer side effects than chemotherapy?

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are both powerful forms of cancer therapy. Radiation therapy is used to treat localised areas and has minimal side effects.

5.Can I expect hair loss with radiation?

Radiation therapy will only cause hair loss if the hair-bearing skin portion of the head is irradiated.