A radiation oncologist is a specialist physician with expertise in cancer management and in particular the uses of radiation therapy to treat cancer.

The radiation oncologist, in consultation with you, decides whether radiation therapy will be helpful in a particular situation, the part of the body to be included in the radiation beam, and how long your treatment will last; and monitors your progress during and after treatment. Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. A radiation oncologist works with a team of physicists and therapists to design and deliver a safe and effective radiation therapy plan.