About your radiotherapy team
A team of specialists are involved in planning and giving your radiotherapy. Here are some of the people you may meet.
Consultant clinical oncologist (cancer doctor)
A consultant clinical oncologist is a doctor who is an expert in using radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat people with different types of cancer. They specialise in planning and overseeing your course of treatment.
You may see a consultant clinical oncologist before, during and after your course of radiotherapy. Sometimes you may see a doctor from their team instead, such as a registrar. They are also very experienced in treating cancer. If you have any problems between appointments and need to see the doctor, the radiographers or nurses will arrange another appointment for you.
Therapeutic radiographer
Therapeutic radiographers are experts in radiotherapy and are specially trained in giving you your treatment. They can also give you support, advice and information about your radiotherapy. They will:
- help plan your treatment
- help you get into the right position for treatment
- operate the radiotherapy machine to give you your treatment
- give you information, practical care and support throughout your treatment.
You will get to know a team of radiographers during your treatment. You can discuss any worries about your treatment with them.
Consultant therapeutic radiographer
Consultant radiographers are experts in treating specific types of cancer with radiotherapy. They specialise in planning and giving radiotherapy and providing support. You may see a consultant radiographer instead of the clinical oncologist before and during your course of radiotherapy.
Other specialist radiographers
Radiologist
A radiologist is a specialist doctor who will look at your scans with your consultant and help plan your treatment.
Physicist
A physicist is a radiation expert who helps plan your treatment. They work out the amount of radiation you need and the best way of giving it.
Nurse
Many cancer centres have specialist cancer nurses. They are sometimes called clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) or advanced nurse practitioners. They have expert knowledge about the type of cancer you have.
Some radiotherapy clinics have nurses who give information about the treatment and its side effects. They may also give advice on skin care and medicines to manage side effects.
Your key worker
Other health professionals
Other types of health professionals may be involved in your care. The professionals you meet will depend on the type of cancer you have and the help you need.