Radiation Oncology in Arizona

Overview

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, uses carefully targeted and regulated doses of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation destroys cancer cells through a process called ionization. Some cells die immediately after treatment, but most die because the radiation damages the chromosomes and DNA so that the cells can no longer divide and the cancer cannot grow.

Radiation therapy may be your only cancer treatment, or it may be used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

A radiation oncologist is a doctor who has advanced training in treating cancer with radiation. This doctor evaluates you, prescribes the radiation treatment, directs the treatment team, monitors your progress, and manages any side effects of the treatment. The radiation oncologist may also be involved in follow-up care after treatment is completed.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience and advanced technology. Mayo Clinic's radiation therapy combines the quality and capability of state-of-the-art equipment with the expertise and compassion of the medical staff.
• Specialized skills. All radiation oncologists at Mayo Clinic are certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology. Each doctor or radiation oncologist has specialized training in managing cancer patients who need radiation treatment. The doctors further specialize by concentrating their individual practices on treating different types of cancers, including complex and rare cancers. This specialized expertise ensures precision treatment and improved outcomes.
• Treatment tailored to your needs. Mayo Clinic's radiation oncology program tailors treatment to your needs. After the radiation oncologist identifies the areas to be treated, radiation treatment is directed to the cancer to minimize the dose of radiation to normal tissues.
• Comprehensive Cancer Center. Mayo Clinic's radiation therapy services are part of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center with multiple sites. The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated center in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
• Innovative clinical research studies. Clinical research studies designed by Mayo researchers and others are available to eligible cancer patients. Clinical studies provide the opportunity to participate in new, innovative investigative programs that offer the greatest hope for the most difficult cancer problems.