Oncology and Radiation Therapy
Being diagnosed with cancer can turn your world upside down and affect every aspect of your life. At BCHC, our Oncology department provides treatment and support close to home, surrounded by family, friends, and a team dedicated to your care. Our team delivers radiation therapy, oncology nursing support, and coordinated cancer care to international standards, right here in Bermuda.
We can treat 95% of all cancers where radiation is a recommended treatment course.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Our Oncology services may be right for you if:
- You've been diagnosed with cancer and radiation therapy is recommended as part of your treatment
- Your oncologist has referred you for radiation treatment
- You're seeking comprehensive oncology care close to home
- You need ongoing support during cancer treatment from specialised oncology nurses
- You want access to world-class cancer care without leaving Bermuda
WHAT WE OFFER
Radiation Therapy Advanced radiation treatment using state-of-the-art technology. We can treat 95% of all cancers where radiation is a recommended treatment course.
Oncology Nursing Care Specialised oncology nurses provide continuous support throughout your treatment journey, managing side effects, answering questions, and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Comprehensive Cancer Care A 360-degree approach to cancer care, including access to dietitians, therapists, and ongoing support even after treatment ends.
Coordinated Treatment Planning Every patient receives an individualised treatment plan developed in close collaboration with cancer specialists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step 1: Referral and consultation Your oncologist will refer you to our Oncology department. You'll meet with Dr. Fosker to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and what radiation therapy involves.
Step 2: Treatment planning (simulation) Before treatment begins, you'll have a planning session where we map the precise treatment area. This takes about an hour. We'll create a customised plan based on your specific cancer type and treatment goals. This plan is developed in collaboration with specialists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
Step 3: Treatment begins Each radiation therapy session takes about 15-20 minutes, though the actual radiation delivery is just a few minutes. You'll lie still on a treatment table while the linear accelerator moves around you. The treatment itself is painless, you won't feel, see, or hear anything. Our radiation therapists are with you via video and audio and can talk with you throughout.
Step 4: Ongoing support during treatment You'll see Dr. Fosker weekly to monitor how you're feeling and manage any side effects. Our specialised oncology nurses are available daily if you have questions or concerns between appointments. Support from dietitians and therapists is also available as needed.
Step 5: Completion and follow-up When your treatment course is complete, we don't simply say goodbye. Our team provides ongoing monitoring and support, helping you transition through recovery and beyond.
YOUR CARE TEAM
Oncologists Working in close collaboration with specialists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
Medical Physicists Ensure the precise delivery and safety of your radiation treatment.
Radiation Therapists Highly qualified and experienced radiation therapists deliver your daily treatments with precision and care.
Oncology Nurses Specialised oncology nurses provide continuous care and support throughout your treatment journey and beyond.
Support Team Dietitians and therapists are available to help manage nutrition, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing during treatment.
OUR RADIATION THERAPY UNIT
Through the generous support of our community, we have a state-of-the-art, purpose-built radiation therapy unit staffed by a highly qualified and experienced team.
Advanced Technology Our TrueBeam™ linear accelerator delivers:
- Highest radiation dose in shorter sessions
- Adjustment for tumour motion during treatment
- Targeted radiation that spares healthy tissue
- Ability to target even the smallest lesions
Safety and Quality Extensive patient safety measures, including radiation therapy protocols and quality assurance programmes aligned with international standards. We are proud to hold a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology from the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO).
BENEFITS OF CHOOSING BCHC FOR RADIATION THERAPY
World-class care, close to home
- Advanced radiation technology using a state-of-the-art TrueBeam™ linear accelerator
- Treatment plans developed in collaboration with cancer-specific specialists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center
- Same level of treatment, care, and outcomes as Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center
Greater access and convenience
- More timely access to radiation treatment via our state-of-the-art facility
- Ability to continue with everyday life while receiving treatment (working, going to school, raising children, surrounded by your support network and loved ones)
Comprehensive support
- 360-degree approach to cancer care providing continuous care even after treatment ends
- Specialised radiation nurses, dietitians, and therapists
- Support from our Cancer Navigation team
Financial accessibility
- $0 co-pay regardless of your level (or lack) of health insurance, thanks to corporate and community donations
- Equal Access Fund available for uninsured patients
For the 22nd straight year, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center has been recognised as a Best Hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, New England's leading cancer center, is ranked #4 in the nation this year (2022-23).
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has a radiation therapy alliance with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
This means every Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre (the Centre) patient in need of radiation therapy receives care based on an individualised treatment plan developed in close collaboration with specialists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston. The Centre’s state-of-the-art Radiation Therapy Unit, which opened in 2017, was designed and developed with Dana-Farber Brigham team. The Unit uses the same treatment systems, software, radiation therapy protocols, and quality assurance programmes that are utilised at Dana-Farber Brigham, ensuring patients receive world-class treatment that incorporates the most current international standards in cancer care.
Within Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, there are 13 specialised cancer treatment centres and experts in every type of cancer. Through the Centre’s radiation therapy alliance with Dana-Farber Brigham, patients receiving radiation therapy treatments can be confident that they have access to this expertise without leaving Bermuda. Radiation oncologist and the Centre’s radiation therapy director Dr Chris Fosker and the experienced radiation oncology team at the Radiation Therapy Unit work in conjunction with their Dana-Farber Brigham colleagues, remotely and through care delivered on-island, to provide cutting-edge radiation therapy. Through this ongoing alliance, the Centre’s patients will also have access to the latest advances in radiation treatment.
What Our Patients Say...
Listen to Our Patients' Journeys with Radiation Treatment
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COST AND INSURANCE
Your health insurance will cover a portion of your treatment. In an effort to lower your healthcare costs, the Centre does not charge a co-pay, though donations towards your balance are greatly appreciated.
If you're currently uninsured, your costs may be covered by our Equal Access Fund, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent you from receiving the cancer treatment you need.
A referral from your doctor is required. Speak with your physician about choosing Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre for your radiation therapy.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What does radiation therapy feel like? You won't feel, see, or hear the radiation during treatment. The process is completely painless. You simply lie still while the machine moves around you.
How long does treatment take? Each daily session takes about 15-20 minutes, though the actual radiation delivery is just a few minutes. Most patients receive treatment five days a week for several weeks, depending on their specific treatment plan.
Can I work during radiation therapy? Many patients continue working during radiation therapy. Because treatment is delivered locally, you can maintain your normal routine as much as possible while surrounded by your support network.
What are the side effects? Side effects vary depending on the treatment area and dose. Common effects include fatigue and skin changes in the treatment area. Our oncology nurses work closely with you to manage any side effects, and most resolve after treatment ends.
Will I be radioactive? No. External beam radiation therapy does not make you radioactive. You're safe to be around others, including children and pregnant women, immediately after treatment.
How do I prepare for treatment? Your team will give you specific instructions based on your treatment plan. Generally, wear comfortable clothing and follow any dietary or medication guidelines provided.
What happens after treatment ends? We provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. You'll have regular check-ups to assess how you're healing and to watch for any long-term effects. Our support continues well beyond your last treatment session.
Oncology and Radiation Therapy Contact Details
By Phone: 236-7035
Email: RTinfo@chc.bm
Hours of Operation: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm
