About the service
Gippsland Radiation Oncology (also known as radiotherapy) is based at the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre at LRH.
It is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm, excluding most public holidays.
Phone: (03) 5173 8770
Radiation therapy uses radiation, such as x-rays and electrons, to kill or damage cancer cells and 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, meaning it mostly works on only the area being treated. The treatment process can range from a single session to multiple sessions lasting up to 8 weeks, depending on a number of factors, such as the type of cancer and cancer stage.
You may also receive other treatment at the same time, such as chemotherapy, and we work closely with all of the medical teams caring for you to ensure your care is seamless and coordinated.
Our outpatient clinic staff are from Alfred Health and operate clinics at separate health facilities, including Latrobe Regional Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can I eat beforehand?
Most likely yes. If there is a particular requirement for you to not eat before treatment, you will be advised.
What happens after treatment?
Radiation therapy can prove quite taxing for some patients so we have a quiet room for you to rest after your treatment or between examinations and treatments.
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.
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.
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.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Our radiation staff will advise you of any requirements for your treatment schedule.
What equipment is used?
We use modern treatment techniques and equipment. This ensures we are at the forefront of radiation therapy treatment, providing the best possible advice, treatment and follow-up for our patients.
There are different pieces of equipment used in your treatment process including CT scanners, x-ray machines, linear accelerators, specialist stereotactic radiotherapy equipment along with different planning and simulation systems all necessary to ensure accurate treatment of your cancer.
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 lose my hair?
Hair will only be lost if it is in the treatment area, and it depends on the amount of radiation being given. Speak to your radiation oncologist or oncology nurse for information.
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 whether you are fit to drive, discuss this 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?
Our radiation staff will advise you of any requirements for 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.
What equipment is used?
We use modern treatment techniques and equipment. This ensures we are at the forefront of radiation therapy treatment, providing the best possible advice, treatment and follow-up for our patients.
There are different pieces of equipment used in your treatment process including CT scanners, x-ray machines, linear accelerators, specialist stereotactic radiotherapy equipment along with different planning and simulation systems all necessary to ensure accurate treatment of your cancer.
What happens after treatment?
Radiation therapy can prove quite taxing for some patients so we have a quiet room for you to rest after your treatment 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 being given. 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 whether you are fit to drive, 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.
