According to the National Cancer Institute, “Radiation therapy is the treatment of cancer and other diseases with ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation deposits energy that injures or destroys cells in the area being treated (the “target tissue”) by damaging their genetic material, making it impossible for these cells to continue to grow.”

Radiation in high doses kills cells or keeps them from growing and dividing. Because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than most of the normal cells around them, radiation therapy can successfully treat many kinds of cancer.

Normal cells are also affected but, unlike cancer cells, most of them recover from the effects of radiation. To protect normal cells, radiation therapists carefully limit the doses of radiation and spread the treatment out over time. They also shield as much normal tissue as possible while they aim the radiation at the site of the cancer.

External beam radiotherapy uses machines to focus radiation on a cancer site. Depending on the amount of energy it possesses, the radiation can be used to destroy cancer cells both on the surface and deeper in the body. The higher the energy of the beam, the deeper the radiation can penetrate into the target tissue.

Internal radiotherapy, or brachytherapy, places radioactive implants directly in a tumour or body cavity. In this treatment, the radiation dose is concentrated in a small area, and the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

What does a Radiation Therapist do?

Radiation Therapists work closely with doctors, patients and other members of the health care team. They use advanced computer systems and radiation therapy equipment to design and implement treatment plans, including:

• Planning all treatment details, including calculating the radiation dose and simulating its distribution
• Positioning the patient and operating the radiation therapy equipment
• Constructing and fitting accessory devices that shape, modify and direct the administered radiation to destroy cancerous tissue
• Therapists also play an important role in counseling patients on possible side effects from the treatment and provide advice on how best to minimize these effects. Because radiation treatments often extend over several weeks, a special supportive relationship often develops between the therapist, the patient and the patient’s family.

Why become a Radiation Therapist?

• Radiation Therapists use cutting-edge technology. Advanced computer systems allow the simulation and planning of treatment details, and ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment delivery.
• Work closely with patients, doctors, and other health professionals as part of the interdisciplinary health care team. Radiation Therapists provide the patient and their family with in-depth and continuous care, support, and counseling throughout the treatment process.
• Radiation Therapists are detail-oriented and enjoy applying their knowledge of biology, mathematics and physics, since their work requires precision and the safe operation of sophisticated equipment.

Graduates of the joint University of Toronto/Michener Degree/Diploma program can pursue advanced studies at Michener, including:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• PACS Administrator
• Master of Health Science in Medical Radiation Sciences
• Master of Applied Science (Medical Imaging)