So far this semester, the Radiation Therapy department at BCIT has been visited by a two guest speakers who work everyday in the Cancer treatment field.
A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to attend a lecture presented by a dentist who specializes in dental care for oncology patients. Many people might not realize that cancer patients, especially those that have head and neck cancers, are advised to undergo a dental assessment prior to treatment. Many people may not also realize that these dental assessments can be performed by specially trained dentists who work in the BC Cancer Centres. It is extremely important that the dentist who does the assessment is specially trained in working with cancer patients. The reason for the assessment is to address any dental issues that exist in the patient and treat/intervene prior to receiving chemo and radiation. Both treatment modalities can result in damage to the teeth, gums and jaw bones if previous dental issues aren’t rectified. Oncology dentists are part of the treatment process before, during and after treatment.
This week the radiation therapy department also received a guest lecture from a Radiation Oncologist from BC Cancer Surrey. The oncologist was kind enough to give up some of his time and lecture on treatment techniques and options for Genitourinary Cancers, specifically the cancer of the prostate. Prostate cancer is very common in men ages 55 and older and many prostate cancer patients are treated with radiation therapy. This is why it is very important for students to be well informed since they will see prostate cancer treatment a lot in the clinic.
Combining lectures from our instructors with lectures from guest speakers who work in the field is an excellent way to get the full picture of what the treatment process is really like for patients and what we have to expect when we are in the clinic.