Physics applications in cancer research/treatment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of physics in cancer research and treatment, highlighting the desire of a third-year undergraduate physics major to contribute to advancements in this field. Key areas of interest include the development of treatment methods and medical machinery. Resources such as the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the National Cancer Institute's physics research initiatives are identified as valuable starting points for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of medical physics principles
  • Familiarity with radiation therapy techniques
  • Knowledge of imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scans
  • Basic concepts of biophysics related to cancer treatment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of medical physicists in cancer treatment
  • Explore advancements in radiation therapy technologies
  • Learn about the physics behind MRI and CT imaging
  • Investigate biophysics applications in cancer research
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate physics students, medical physicists, cancer researchers, and professionals interested in the intersection of physics and oncology.

Matthew Slater
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I am a third year undergraduate physics major. Often time people ask what I want to do with physics, and I didn't really have an answer for them. I guess I always assumed I'd pursue a masters degree in some kind of engineering, but I want to be able to do something that I'm passionate about. Something that has impacted my life tremendously has been cancer, and I would like to eventually work on developing better treatment methods for the disease.
What fields of physics would I need to get into in order to work on developing either treatment methods or machinery used in treatment? Could you also provide some examples in which physics research is being used in medical treatments? Thank you
 
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