Radiation Therapy in Australia and New Zealand
Radiation therapy contributes to more than half of cancer cures. It also has a very important place in helping people with cancer that cannot be cured.
Radiation therapy is a highly targeted treatment that kills cancer cells and stops them from growing and multiplying. It uses advanced technology to treat many types of cancer safely and effectively. It is targeted to wherever the cancer is located in the body and can be used to improve survival, cure the patient, or relieve symptoms such as pain. Focusing the radiation on the area to be treated reduces the impact of treatment on healthy areas of the body, limiting side effects and improving quality of life.
Radiation oncology treatment teams are made up of highly trained experts including radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology medical physicists and nurses. Treatments are personalised to ensure the best outcome for each patient.
Key Information
Side effects vary depending on the type of cancer being treated, the area being treated, and the length and purpose of treatment.
Targeting Cancer supports Māori, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander people living with cancer.
We’ve gathered common questions about radiation therapy.
Treatments
Radiation therapy where a weaker type of radiation targets the skin and body parts directly under the skin.
Additional information about cancer types, research groups, and support groups.
