They are known as pioneers in the healthcare industry and according to the American Medical Association, less than 2% of physicians specialize in this area. A radiation oncologist simply means a doctor specializing in the treatment of cancer by using energy waves such as x-rays.

Radiation Oncologist Constantine Mantz says there is no pain and no feeling whatsoever associated with radiation therapy. It's just as though the patient is receiving an x-ray.

Radio surgery is a precise and accurate form of radiation therapy that is capable of treating tumors that are located virtually anywhere in the body. "The treatment is delivered in such a way that the radiation beam can be made any size and any shape to fit the size and shape of a tumor we want treat and minimize the exposure of skin or muscle or other critical organs that are normal and functioning well to try to limit side effects folks would get from such treatment," says Dr. Mantz.

Most importantly radiation doctors use this type of treatment for patients who are too medically ill to tolerate an operation. Dr. Mantz says it's really not as intimidating as it looks. "After the first session or so usually patients come out and tell us it was a snap. They were lying down for a few minutes, there was no pain associated with the treatment and many of them are also impressed with the technology."

These cancer doctors make sure they go out of their way to comfort and educate their patients before any procedure is performed. Some side effects of radiation therapy can include fatigue, hair loss and skin reactions.