Radiation Oncology
Cancer treatment using radiation
Our service runs outpatient clinics at seven sites in metropolitan Melbourne and south-east Victoria where you can see a radiation oncologist doctor to discuss treatment plans and monitor your progress. We offer radiation therapy at two sites, The Alfred and LaTrobe Regional Hospital. This is where you will receive your treatment.
What we do
Radiation therapy is treatment using radiation, such as x-rays and electrons, to kill or damage cancer cells to stop them from growing and multiplying. It can also be used to treat a variety of benign (non-cancerous) diseases.
Radiation therapy is a localised treatment; it mostly only works on the area being treated. The process can range from a single session to multiple sessions lasting up to 8 weeks, depending on a number of things such as the type of cancer and cancer stage.
Equipment used in the process
There are different pieces of equipment used in your treatment process including CT scanners, x-ray machines, linear accelerators, specialist stereotactic equipment along with different planning and simulation systems all necessary to ensure accurate treatment of your cancer.
Cancer Support Service
One of the special features of the Alfred Health Radiation Oncology unit is the well-developed Cancer Support Service.
This service was established to assist patients and their loved ones deal with the social, physical and emotional issues associated with a diagnosis of cancer.
Commonly asked questions
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy kills the cancer cells in the area being treated. The radiation damages the DNA (genetic code) of cancer cells which makes them unable to grow or divide.
Although normal cells receive radiation as well, they are usually more resistant than cancer cells to damage. The amount of normal cells receiving radiation is also minimised with careful planning and modern equipment.
What is the treatment process?
The process is as follows and we encourage family to attend with you.
Initial consultation
- Fill out registration forms
- Appointment to see a radiation oncologist
Planning (simulation) appointment
- Meet with radiation therapist and radiation oncologist
- Decide on positioning for treatment and finalise how many treatment sessions you will have
It may involve:
- Making equipment to aid positioning
- CT Scan or x-ray
- Drawing marks on your skin
- Taking measurements and photos of your position
First treatment appointment
- Meet with radiation therapist
- Lie in same position as at planning appointment
- Radiation treatment delivered
- Meet with nurses after treatment to discuss side effects
Daily treatment appointment
- Radiation treatment delivered by radiation therapists
- Weekly review with radiation oncologist and nurse
Follow-up appointment
- At a specified time after treatment has finished
- Appointment with your radiation oncologist
When do I need to arrive before treatment?
You should arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow for signing in procedures and to change into a gown if necessary. Feel free to bring your partner, carer or family member along for support as radiation therapy can be a difficult time for some people.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Your radiation oncologist and or radiation therapist will advise you of any particular requirements that pertain to your treatment schedule.
Can I eat beforehand?
Most likely yes. If there is a particular requirement for you to not eat before treatment, you will be advised prior.
What happens after treatment?
Radiation therapy can prove quite taxing for some patients, we have a quiet room for those wishing to rest afterward or between examinations and treatments.
Will I feel anything during my radiotherapy treatment?
No, you won't feel anything. You will just hear a buzzing noise when the machine is turned on.
Will I be radioactive?
No. Radiotherapy uses x-rays which pass through the body and does not make you radioactive. It is completely safe to be in contact with others immediately after your treatment, including pregnant women and babies.
Will I lose my hair?
Hair will only be lost if it is in the treatment area and it depends on the amount of radiation that is being given. Please speak to your radiation oncologist or oncology nurse for information.
Can I work during treatment?
Many people continue to work during treatment. This is your choice, however if you are not feeling up to it you may wish to consider taking some time off.
Can I drive during treatment?
Yes, most people will continue to drive during their treatment. If you are not feeling up to it or are very tired you may wish to have a break from driving or drive less.
In some cases, such as neurological conditions, seizures or brain surgery, the Australian Transport Council states you are not legally allowed to drive for a period of six months. If you are not sure if you are fit to drive please discuss this with your radiation oncologist.
How does radiation therapy fit with other cancer treatments?
Radiation therapy is often given in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery. Approximately half of all people with cancer are treated with radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists can give patients advice about the role radiation therapy might play in any particular circumstance.
Radiation therapy is not suitable for all cancer types.
Is there a cost?
Outpatient treatments
For Medicare card holders: If you are having external beam radiotherapy and you are a Medicare card holder, all your consultations at Alfred Health Radiation Oncology and your radiation therapy treatments will be bulk billed and covered by Medicare. You will be asked to sign a Medicare form, every day at the reception desk, on your way out. If you are having external beam radiotherapy and you are a Medicare card holder, all your treatments are covered.
Outpatient consultations
This might be different for consultations, as opposed to the situation for treatment. There is no out-of-pocket cost for consultations with Alfred Health Radiation Oncology specialists at the public hospital facilities at The Alfred or Latrobe Regional Hospitals. Depending on whether or not you hold an Australian Government Aged Pensioner card; hold a Veteran’s Affairs card; or an Australian Government Health Card, there may be a charge for attending at our clinics held at external private facilities such as Frankston.
Inpatients
You will not need to sign a Medicare form for your radiotherapy, while you are staying at the hospital. If you have private medical insurance we may ask you to elect to use your insurance: this enables us to charge the insurance company, but there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you should you do this.
Prescription drug costs
Some medication we might prescribe is not free. If it is covered by the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) then there is a dispensing cost, charged by the Pharmacist. Sometimes we prescribe drugs that are not on the PBS scheme (because we think the drug we have given is better than the less expensive one on the PBS, or there might be no equivalent on the PBS), in which case there might be an out-of-pocket cost above and beyond the dispensing fee.
Non-Medicare card holders and overseas patients
At the end of each consultation you will receive an invoice. If you decide to proceed to treatment, staff will discuss with you a payment plan. Usually this plan requires payment in advance and reconciliation of the account when treatment is completed. We may need to contact your health insurance company regarding guarantee of payment in which case payment in advance may not be required.
Please note that whilst some of the cost may be claimed from your private health insurer, Alfred Health Radiation Oncology does not submit claims on your behalf.
Can I get financial assistance?
The Victorian Cancer Council offers some financial help for people suffering from cancer in the form of financial planning, small one off grants for people experiencing economic hardship as a result of their treatment, workplace and small business advice. More information is available at the Victorian Cancer Council.
How to access this service
Referral from your GP
You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service.
Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us. We will be in contact with you in clinically recommended times, depending on waiting list length. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
What to bring
Every time you come
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame
For a clinic appointment
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- TAC or Workcover claim number (if relevant)
For a day procedure
- Responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
- Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit
Our clinics
Clinic name | Campus | Location |
---|---|---|
Radiation Oncology Clinic | The Alfred | 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Radiation Oncology at Frankston | The Alfred | 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Radiation Oncology at Sale | The Alfred | 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Radiation Oncology at Traralgon | The Alfred | 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Radiation Oncology at Warragul | The Alfred | 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Neuro-Oncology Clinic at Monash Medical Centre | The Alfred | 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Resources
All patient resources-
Radiation Oncology Targeting Cancer
Information about radiation oncology and radiation therapy
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Cancer Council Australia
Services, resources, fact sheets, news and forums
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Cancer Council Victoria
Services, resources, fact sheets, research, news and forums
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Australian Government Cancer Australia
Services, resources, fact sheets, research, news and forums
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American Cancer Society
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Bowel Cancer Australia
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Sun Smart
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Bureau of Meterology
Ultraviolet (UV) Index Forecast
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Cancer Index
A guide to internet resources for cancer
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Southern Melbourne Integrative Cancer Service
Connecting cancer care, driving best practice and improving patient outcomes. A joint initiative of Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Penninsula Health and Southern Health
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Look Good, Feel Good
News, practical tips and FAQs about cancer, and how to get involved with cancer programs
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Breast Screen Victoria
Breast screen service locations, resources, fact sheets and news
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Better Health Channel
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Radiation Oncology: Bladder Cancer Radiotherapy Treatment
Information for patients about radiotherapy treatment.
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Radiation Oncology: Brain Tumour Radiotherapy Treatment
Information for patients about radiotherapy treatment.
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Radiation Oncology: Breast and Chest Wall Radiotherapy Treatment
Information for patients about radiotherapy treatment.
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Alfred Health - Testicular Seminoma Radiotherapy Treatment
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Radiation Oncology: Bowel Cancer Radiotherapy Treatment
Information for patients about radiotherapy treatment.
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Radiation Oncology: Lung Cancer Radiotherapy Treatment
Information for patients about radiotherapy treatment.
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Alfred Health - Head and Neck Radiotherapy Treatment
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Radiation Oncology: Prostate Cancer - High Dose Rate Brachytherapy
Information about high dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
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Melbourne Prostate