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Radiation Oncology

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About us

Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology is part of the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre and is located in the Lomas Building at Waikato Hospital. We serve a wide geographical area including patients from the Waikato, Lakes, and Tairawhiti District Health Boards (DHB).

It is one of nine radiation oncology departments in New Zealand.

  • Our services are primarily used for treating cancer patients but radiation therapy can be an effective form of treatment for several other health conditions.
  • In 2014 1800 patients received a course of radiation therapy in the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre.
  • We operate Monday to Friday (including most Public Holidays) and offer a limited after hours on call service.
  • The centre has four external beam treatment units (Linear Accelerators), a CT scanner, a superficial treatment unit, a brachytherapy treatment unit, and a radio-isotope laboratory.

Our purpose is to be a radiation oncology department that provides a positive experience for patients and a place where staff want to work. We provide patient-focussed care based on international best practice guidelines utilising modern radiation therapy techniques including IMRT and VMAT. Image guided systems (KV, CBCT and MV Imaging) are used for position verification. Our department also has a strong involvement in clinic trials and research.

Radiation therapy is one of the methods of treating certain types of cancer. This video explains how this treatment works and what a patient can expect.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation treatment only affects the part of the body where beams are aimed. You do not feel radiation as it is being delivered.

Why is radiation therapy used?

  • To cure cancers. 
  • Radiation therapy is often in addition to other cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy). 
  • To shrink a tumour so that surgery is more effective. 
  • To treat any cancer cells remaining after surgery.
  • To control cancers – slow cancer progression. 
  • To relieve cancer symptoms such as pain or a persistent cough. This is called palliative care.

How is radiation therapy delivered?

Radiation treatment can be given in two ways: from outside the body (external beam) or inside the body (internal).

External beam radiation therapy

  • Linear accelerator
  • Linear accelerator

This is the most common method. Radiation beams from a treatment unit (linear accelerator) are focused from outside the body into the area affected by cancer.

External beam radiation therapy is typically given over a number of days or weeks. Treatments are usually given Monday to Friday with a rest at the weekend to help normal cells recover. Almost everyone is treated as an outpatient.

Internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy)
Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source inside your body, on or near the cancer. This procedure may or may not require a general anaesthetic. In some cases, a combination of both external and internal radiation therapy is used.

For further information on radiation therapy see the Cancer Society website section on Radiation Treatment

For information on specific types of cancer click here

First specialist appointment

Meet your radiation oncologist or radiation registrar to discuss treatment options, the benefits, potential risks of radiation therapy, and to answer any questions you may have.

This appointment will be on Level B1 of Lomas Building. Check in at reception.

Patients who reside within the Tairawhiti DHB will be seen in Gisborne.

If you decide to have radiation therapy, a simulation session will be scheduled. You will be contacted with a date and time.

The Cancer Society has a booklet with questions you may wish to ask your radiation oncologist.

Simulation (CT planning scan)

Most patients require a CT planning scan prior to treatment. The scan produces images of inside the body allowing the radiation oncologist to see exactly where to treat.

This appointment will be on Level 1 of Lomas Building. Follow signs to Radiation - Planning and Simulation on Level 1.

The scan is painless and takes approximately 30 minutes. It is important that you are as comfortable as possible and breathe normally unless told otherwise. You will be required to lie in the same position when you have your treatment. Photos will also be taken to document this position. After simulation, a radiation therapist may need to make permanent marks (small freckle sized tattoos) on your skin. These marks ensure that you are quickly and correctly positioned for treatment.

Scan preparation

Some people require extra preparation before their simulation, for example, bladder filling or the making of personalised positioning equipment.

If your scan requires extra preparation you will be informed by your radiation oncologist.

Head and/or neck treatment
Many people having treatment to their head require an immobilisation mask to help keep the head still. The mask can also be drawn on so permanent marks are not required above the shoulder.

The number of radiation therapy treatments you receive and therefore the number of visits to the Oncology department will depend on the total dose of radiation prescribed for you.

The majority of people are treated weekdays as an outpatient. A small number of people may require a hospital admission.

You may experience side effects during your treatment.

Your first radiation therapy treatment

This appointment will be on Level B1 of Lomas Building.

  • Check in with the receptionist who will direct you to your treatment unit.
    Note: Treatment units are colour coded for simplicity: Green, Pink, Blue and Yellow
  • A radiation therapist will discuss your treatment and what to expect, prior to treatment being delivered. This is a perfect opportunity to ask any questions.
  • You will be given appointment times for the week ahead. If you have a preferred time for treatment we will try and accommodate your request.
  • It is normal to feel anxious on your first day of treatment but most people find it a lot easier than they imagine. If you do feel anxious the treatment team are more than willing to discuss any concerns you have. Music does play quietly in the background.
  • It is likely you will be asked to change into a gown or trousers.

In the room

  • For treatment you need to be in the same position as when you had your simulation. Each day, two or three members of the team take a few minutes positioning you on the treatment bed.
  • Relax, keep still, and breathe normally.
  • The total amount of time spent in the treatment room is approximately 10-20 minutes but your first treatment will take slightly longer as a series of day one checks are performed.

Treatment delivery

  • Once you are positioned correctly and the treatment unit is set at the right angles, radiation therapists leave the room. Staff always watch you on closed circuit cameras and can communicate via an intercom system if necessary.
  • The treatment team take x-ray images to verify you are in the correct position. If we need to make any adjustments we can come back into the room to do this or the treatment bed can be moved very slightly from the control area outside.
  • During treatment you will not feel or see anything. The treatment unit does not touch you but it does make a buzzing noise.
  • It is important that you remain relaxed and still during treatment. Please do not move until a radiation therapist tells you treatment is complete.

Additional care during treatment

  • During a course of treatment you will have additional appointments (oncologist or registrar assessments). We endeavour to co-ordinated these with your treatment times.
  • These appointments will be on Level B1 of Lomas Building (the same level as the treatment units).
  • The department also has specialist nurses, dietitians, and other health professionals who can support you during your treatment.

Support people

  • You are welcome to bring support people with you when you come for treatment.
  • If you would like someone to accompany you into the room while you are positioned please discuss this with staff beforehand as there are certain regulations that need to be considered.

Radiation therapy can cause various side effects to the area of the body being treated. Some of these are short-term and may only occur during treatment and for a short time after treatment finishes. Others may be more long-term.

It is important to remember that because everyone is different their reaction to treatment differs too. Many people experience very few, or no side effects. Your radiation oncologist will discuss possible side effects with you before your treatment starts and see you regularly while you are on treatment (oncologist or registrar assessments.)

There are many factors that determine which, if any, side effects you may experience.

They include:

  • The amount of radiation given
  • The area of your body we are treating
  • Other treatments you may be having e.g. chemotherapy

The effects of radiation on your body increase gradually over the course of treatment. It is unlikely you will experience any side effects straight away. Side effects tend to develop after a week or so, reaching a peak approximately 10 to 14 days after your treatment finishes and then gradually subside.

If you are experiencing any side effects please tell a radiation therapist and/or radiation oncologist. Many side effects can be well managed. Some side effects are general while others depend on what part of the body we are treating.

The most common general side effects are:

Fatigue

  • It is possible treatment may make you feel tired or generally fatigued. This is because your body is working to repair radiation damage to normal, healthy tissue.
  • It is important to keep hydrated and rest when you need to. Travelling in for treatment each day can be tiring in itself.

Skin reaction

  • Radiation therapy can affect skin in the area being treated.
  • Some people don't notice any change whilst others experience symptoms similar to sunburn.
  • Your skin may become red, or darker, itchy and sore.

Your radiation oncologist and radiation therapy team will provide you with information about specific side effects that you may experience with your course of treatment.

If you are experiencing any side effects please let your treatment team know.

Side effects may get worse in the week to 10 days after treatment then will gradually subside.

Staff will educate you about managing side effects in your final few days of radiation treatment.

Follow-up appointment

  • Once you have completed radiation therapy treatment you will be given a follow-up appointment with your radiation oncologist/registrar. 
  • The appointment may be shortly after your last treatment but is often three months after finishing.
  • Before a follow-up appointment you may be required to have blood tests or scans.
  • At this appointment the oncologist/registrar will assess how the radiation treatment has gone and may ask to see you again in the future.

Your radiation therapy team works closely with support services to care for all your needs. Some of these services are listed below along with how they can help and support you throughout your treatment. Please let us know if you feel any of the services below would benefit you.

Cancer Society

The Cancer Society support people with cancer, their family/ whānau and friends. A wide range of support services are available.
Visit www.cancernz.org.nz

Chaplains

Offer spiritual support regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds.

More information on Chaplains

Clinical nurse specialists

Support patients and their family/whanau throughout the whole cancer journey. They are available to offer advice, information, symptom management and act as you link person for any concerns you may have.

Interpreters

Interpreters can be booked if you are unable to communicate using the English language.

Oncology dietitian

Cancer, and the treatment of, can affect your ability to maintain weight. Dietitians are available to help manage your diet and appetite.

Palliative care

Palliative care is an approach to caring for people with cancer and their family that focuses on improving their quality of life; it is not just about care at the end of life.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists

Some people experience changes in their physical functioning and ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help with expert advice and exercises to help you regain your mobility, or assist with specialised aids to help you better manage.

Smoking cessation

Staff at Waikato hospital support people wanting to quit smoking. Our smoking cessation programme includes free nicotine replacement therapy.

Social workers

Social workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They provide counselling to help cope with the diagnosis of cancer and subsequent treatment. They can arrange financial support and can put you in contact with other community services. Social workers also help people navigate the health care system and find support to manage day-to-day challenges of living with cancer.

Speech language therapists

Some cancers and treatments can affect your ability to communicate and swallow. Speech language therapists are available to help patients facing these difficulties.

Te Puna Oranga (Māori Health Service)
Our Kaitiaki service offers cultural support for Māori and their whānau in hospital. They can also link patients and whānau to external support services.

More information on Kaitiaki service

Location

Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, Pembroke Street, Hamilton

  • Levels 1 & B1, Lomas Building

Contact

Phone: 07 839 8604

Frequently asked questions about radiation therapy.

This is very person dependent. For many, radiation therapy can be used in an effort to eliminate all cancer cells as part of a curative treatment approach. For others radiation therapy may be used to slow tumor growth, reduce pressure, pain and other symptoms of cancer in cases when it is not possible to completely eliminate the disease. This is called palliative radiation therapy, and the aim is to improve a person’s quality of life. Discussing the purpose of treatment is a good conversation to have with your radiation oncologist.

External beam radiation therapy (the type most people receive) won't make you radioactive. For this treatment the radiation is generated electrically (not using a radioactive source). No radiation remains in your body so it is fine to be around other people while you are having treatment.
Brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy) treatment, delivers radiation using an implanted radioactive source which, while in place, will be emitting radiation. If you are receiving this type of treatment any precautions required will be explained to you in detail.

Having radiation therapy slightly increases the risk of developing a second cancer. However, it is important to remember that, for many people, radiation therapy can eliminate the current, existing cancer. This benefit far outweighs the small risk that treatment could cause a new cancer later in life.

Radiation does damage cancer cells and some surrounding healthy tissues. For example, men with prostate cancer who receive radiation therapy to the prostate may experience bowel or bladder side effects because all these organs are located very close to each other. Radiation is directed precisely and surrounding organs are shielded as much as possible. Talk with your radiation oncologist to learn what parts of your body could be affected by treatment and how to manage potential side effects.

Most people cannot feel radiation during treatment, so there is no need to worry that it will be painful. A few people have reported a slight warming or tingling sensation in the area being treated. You cannot see radiation but some people may notice a slight metallic smell.

No. Radiation therapy alone can be an effective treatment for some types and stages of cancer. Others respond best to a combination of treatments, which may include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy.

Please do not apply anything to the treatment area without first checking with a member of your radiation team. On your first day, a radiation therapist will show you the area being treated and will give you a booklet with specific instructions on how to care for your skin.
Treatment areas should be protected from any irritation such as rubbing, friction, and pressure. Skin in the treatment area needs to be protected from sunlight, and excessive heat and cold.

You can swim in the sea while on treatment (as long as your skin isn't too sore) but we recommend avoiding chlorinated pools and spas. It is fine to swim anywhere once skin reactions have resolved.

Many people find that keeping active while having radiation treatment helps to reduce fatigue. Listen to your body; if you feel like a rest, try to make some time to do so. For most patients as long as you feel well and able there is no reason why you can't go to work. If you have concerns about driving or operating machinery, talk to your radiation therapy team.

Radiation therapy is a localised treatment, meaning it only affects the area receiving treatment. For example, if we are treating your pelvis then it won't affect the hair on your head. Hair loss may be permanent or temporary, it depends on how much radiation you are given. If we expect you to lose hair from your head, information will be given about wigs and head accessories.

Radiation to the pelvic area may affect fertility. Your oncologist can discuss options to preserve fertility before starting any treatment. They can also tell you how long you should wait before attempting to conceive a child. Please discuss the need for contraception.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, it is important that you do not become pregnant during your treatment. Radiation treatment given during pregnancy could harm a developing baby.

If you think that you may be pregnant at any time during your treatment, please tell your radiation therapy team immediately.

Appointments are scheduled week to week and given out every Thursday. If you have a time preference or clash with another medical appointment, please discuss this at the earliest convenience. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request but please remember the department is looking after about 100 people each day.

Our department has four treatment units. Generally you will be scheduled on one unit but you can receive the identical treatment on another. This commonly occurs on routine maintenance days and when there are unexpected delays. Radiation therapists are qualified to work in any area of the department and have a roster change every few months. There are also a number of part-time staff members. We do aim for continuity of care.

Some supplements are fine to take but others are not. You should tell your treatment team about any supplements you are taking before your radiation therapy begins.

The best way to makes sure you are getting all the nutrients you need is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you have any questions about what to eat feel free to ask.

Occasionally treatment may be given on a weekend. For security reasons some access maybe restricted. You will be given written instructions on where to enter and exit the department.

We understand you may want to do all you can to support yourself when you have a cancer diagnosis and are undergoing treatment. We support people in maintaining their wellness. However, it is very important to speak with your radiation oncologist about any supplements, over the counter medicines, complementary or alternative medicines or therapies you may be taking or considering starting, for any reason, not just cancer related. We base any decision about using these medicines or therapies on scientific evidence available. Some have proven benefits while others (even natural remedies) can reduce the potential affect of radiation therapy.

The internet is undoubtedly a great source of information; however, we recommend you exercise caution.

We suggest using the following resources:
The suggested websites are independent of Waikato District Health Board and while we believe they offer credible information we cannot guarantee that the information on each site is correct, up-to-date, or evidence-based medical information. Information needs to be considered in your own context.