Radiation oncology services are provided in partnership with Radiation Oncology Associates, PA in the Jim and Marianne Cook Radiation Oncology Department, located on the Ground Floor of the Payson Center for Cancer Care. The department houses two linear accelerators and a large bore oncology CT simulator.

Radiation oncology includes treatment planning and radiation therapy, which is the treatment of cancer using streams of particles called electrons. Because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than most normal cells, radiation therapy is effective in treating many types of cancer. Physicians plan the course of treatment to shield as much normal tissue as possible, while aiming the radiation at the site of the cancer.

Members of the radiation treatment team include:

• A radiation oncologist, a physician who specializes in treating cancer with radiation;
• A dosimetrist, an individual who plans and calculates the proper radiation dose for treatment using a therapy-planning computer.
• A medical physicist, an individual supervising the Dosimetrist who ensures the linear accelerator delivers the right amount of radiation to the treatment site;
• A radiation therapist, an individual who positions the patient for treatment and operates the machine.
• A radiation nurse, a registered nurse who coordinates care, helps the patient learn about radiation therapy and its side effects, monitors the side effects, and is a resource for both the patient and family.

Where Can I Find Out More?

Concord Hospital Cancer Information
Cancer Care Inc
Radiation Oncology Associates of NH
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Innisfree Cancer Help