Radiation Oncology
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Radiation Oncology
About half of all cancer patients nationally have radiation therapy as a part of their treatment. At Harrison, you have access to the latest technologies—delivered by highly skilled specialists within a warm, healing environment.
Team care
We draw on experts from the full spectrum of cancer care to design your customized treatment plan. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that every avenue is explored as we evaluate the most effective strategies for you. Harrison physicians also have access to clinical trials that test new therapies.
Within Radiation Oncology, you will receive care from licensed and highly qualified specialists, including board-certified physicians. Specialists include:
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiation therapists
- Registered nurses
- Radiation physicists
- Dosimetrists (highly trained dosing specialists)
The human touch
Dealing with cancer is an emotional experience. Vital as they are, machines and technology aren’t the full story. Patients need compassion, guidance, and heartfelt support. You’ll find that here. As you progress along this journey, we’re with you—every step of the way.
Treatment
Radiation therapy uses powerful, targeted energy to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The goal is to attack cancer cells as aggressively as possible while limiting damage to healthy, surrounding tissue.
Sophisticated, new technologies make it possible to target tumors with pinpoint accuracy, enabling radiation oncologists to deliver higher doses with greater patient safety.
Before radiation therapy begins, your team will use a CT scanner to gather massive amounts of data about the size, shape and location of your tumor. This process is called a “simulation.” Harrison uses a donut-shaped, “big-bore” scanner with an extra-large opening for greater patient comfort.
Equipment
Radiation therapy takes place in specially constructed rooms equipped with large, complex machines called “linear accelerators.” These “linacs,” as they’re often called, deliver radiation beams to the cancerous cells. Harrison is the only facility on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas with two of these machines. This means better patient flow and less waiting time for you.
Harrison also has a separate piece of equipment that delivers superficial X-rays for treatment of skin cancer.
Radiopharmacy
In some cases, patients may benefit from treatment with radioactive drugs. These usually are delivered intravenously and may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with radiation therapy.
A tranquil setting
Radiation therapy usually requires brief but frequent outpatient visits. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other, so we want you to feel comfortable and at peace. This is a safe, friendly place filled with natural light, warm woods, and artwork. Amenities include:
- A comfortable resource room with computer, TV, and lending library.
- Separate waiting rooms for men and women.
- Access to complementary therapies such as music, art, hand rubs, and pet therapy.
- Availability of ancillary services such as nutritional counseling and social work support.
Inpatient benefits
Although radiation therapy is usually done on an outpatient basis, Harrison is equipped to provide inpatient therapy as well. This means you can continue treatment without interruption should you require a hospital stay. Harrison is the only facility on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas that offers on-site, inpatient radiation therapy.