Find the Best Radiation Oncology
Near You – Book Now

What a radiation oncologist does

A radiation oncologist treats cancer with high-energy radiation that damages cancer cells and stops them multiplying. Training is an MD or DNB in Radiotherapy / Radiation Oncology. About half of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy at some point, sometimes as the main treatment and sometimes with surgery or chemotherapy. It is delivered by a team of oncologists, medical physicists, technologists and nurses.

When radiotherapy is used

• To cure or control cancers such as head and neck, cervix, prostate, breast, lung and brain tumours.
• Before surgery to shrink a tumour, or after surgery to lower the chance of recurrence.
• To relieve symptoms such as bone pain or bleeding.

Types of radiotherapy

External beam radiotherapy aims beams from outside the body; modern techniques such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS/SBRT) shape the dose closely to the tumour and spare healthy tissue. Brachytherapy places a radioactive source inside or next to the tumour, commonly used for cervical and prostate cancer.

What to expect

Treatment is planned with a CT or MRI scan, and delivered in daily sessions over days to weeks. Each session takes minutes and is painless. Side effects depend on the area treated and may include skin redness, fatigue, mouth sores or bowel and bladder irritation; most settle after treatment ends. Maintain nutrition, follow skin care advice, and keep follow-up appointments. Blood tests such as CBC and kidney function are monitored.

Costs and choosing

Consultation fees commonly range from about ₹800 to ₹2,500 and may vary. Radiotherapy costs vary with the technique and number of sessions; government cancer centres offer subsidised care and schemes help eligible patients. Choose a centre with modern machines, qualified physicists and a multidisciplinary approach. Compare specialists and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.