What does a Radiation Therapist do?

Radiation therapist (RTT) is a profession that is uniquely concerned with radiation and its medical uses. Radiation oncology uses radiation to treat cancer. They carry out this therapy and supervise patients for the entire duration of its implementation—generally over a period of several weeks. This is why they are both a person of trust and source of information during this time. 

How do you prepare patients for radiation? 

One of the most important factors during proton therapy is arranging patients in a position that enables them to be treated with maximum precision and comfort. RTTs prepare and control the individual positioning of each patient. One of their tasks is to construct fitted positioning cushions or other fixation devices that help patients to remain still during treatment. They also explain the irradiation procedure and device functioning and answer questions put by patients and family members. One of the great advantages of treatment here at the PSI is the time the RTT take for each patient. Our approach to patient care is based purely on the individual’s requirements, not time restrictions. 

How do patients experience proton therapy? 

Radiation treatment is not felt which is why most of the patients at the CPT do not consider the treatment as particularly burdensome. If patients are afraid, it is generally helpful to consider their individual needs in greater details. For some patients it is helpful to imagine the weeks during which they receive treatment and spend time here in Villigen, or its surroundings, as a kind of holiday.