Radiation Oncology

Radiation Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for many types of cancer. It may be recommended as a cure for cancer or to help reduce pain and other symptoms caused by cancer. The goal of radiation therapy for cancer treatment is to reduce or eliminate the tumor and spare as much healthy tissue and organ functioning as possible. Today’s state-of-the-art technology is better than ever at doing just that, while also decreasing side effects and improving cure rates.

Radiation therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments. It is completely noninvasive and available on an outpatient basis.

There are two main types of radiation therapy:

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

This type of therapy is applied from outside the body using a highly advanced machine called a linear accelerator.

• 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Prone Radiation Treatment Preserves Healthy Tissue

Wooster Community Hospital is currently the only location in Wayne County that offers prone radiation positioning for breast cancer treatment. Dr. Steven Walston, radiation oncology at Wooster Cancer Care, explains this method.

Q: What is prone radiation treatment?

A: With prone radiation treatment, breast cancer patients lie on their stomachs, in what is called the prone position. Gravity pulls the breast tissue down and away from the chest wall. This directs radiation in front of the ribs, where it is needed most, and away from the heart and lungs.

Q: How is this different from the usual position for radiation treatment?

A: Traditionally, patients lie on their backs, in the supine position, for breast cancer radiation. Although this method is safe and effective, it may cause unnecessary radiation exposure to the heart and lungs.

Q: Where can I get more information about prone radiation treatment?

A: You can contact Wooster Cancer Care at 330-262-2800 or by visiting woosterhospital.org. We are located at the Outpatient Pavilion of Wooster Community Hospital. Wooster Community Hospital is proud to be a member of The James Cancer Network at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

For more information about radiation therapy at Wooster Community Hospital, call (330) 262-2800.