Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is a painless, localised treatment of cancerous and some non-cancerous tumours with radiation. Radiation therapy machines produce high energy x-rays that are directed at an area identified by a doctor for treatment. The x-rays have a biological effect on cells within this area which stops them from reproducing.

Radiation Therapy may be used for curative cancer treatment or as palliative treatment (where cure is not possible and the aim is for local disease control or symptomatic relief) or as therapeutic treatment (where the therapy has survival benefit and it can be curative).

During treatment you don’t feel anything, but you may hear a quiet buzzing noise from the machine.

At Auckland Hospital, the Radiation Therapy Department is a team of over 60 professionals; doctors, radiation therapists, oncology nurses, medical physicists and allied health workers, working together to provide the best possible treatment and care. There are 7 treatment machines.

What is Cancer?
Everyone’s body is made up of millions of cells, which normally grow, divide and are renewed in a balanced or programmed way. Sometimes this process is disrupted and the cells grow in an uncontrolled way – a solid group of these cells is called a tumour. Another word commonly used for tumour is growth and it can mean the same thing.

A tumour/growth can be benign (grows but will not spread into different parts of the body) or malignant (spreads into different parts of the body as well as grows locally). Tumours spread by cells travelling through the lymphatic system (the body’s cleaning system) to lymph nodes (often known as glands) or through blood to other organs in the body. These cells can then multiply. If this happens the cancer is called metastatic.
Cancer isn't contagious, so you can go on being close to family and friends.

After receiving a letter requesting an appointment in the outpatient clinic, one of the consultant radiation oncologists working in the Department reviews these letters to determine who should be seen first, based on the information provided by the letter. 

Orientation Seminars - for patients, families and support people
We hold an orientation seminar at Domain Lodge, Park Rd, Auckland on most Fridays. The seminar starts at 11am and lasts approximately half an hour. You, your family and support people are welcome to attend.
 

Coming to your Appointment

• Please report to our reception on L4 of Building 8
• Show the receptionist your appointment card and take a seat at reception
• A radiation therapist will call for you and check your name, address, phone numbers and birth date.

When you come to the Radiation Oncology Outpatient Department you will be seen by a member of the Radiation Oncology Team who will ask questions about your illness and examine you, and discuss management of your condition.
An information booklet called Radiation Oncology is provided when you meet your Radiation Oncologist (A doctor specialising in radiation treatment).
Further information will be given to patients and families when you visit the Department.
 

What to bring: 

• Please bring any pain or anti-nausea medication you are taking with you to your appointments in case you need them
• Also be sure to bring your appointment card with you.

Link Buses stop outside the hospital every 15 minutes.

• Free parking is available outside the building and in the Domain.
• Paid parking is available in the hospital car park.