Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer (and occasionally other conditions) using carefully controlled doses of ionising radiation. The amount of radiation prescribed and the number of treatments required is decided by your Clinical Oncologist.  A course of radiotherapy may be given over a few days, weeks, or in a single treatment.

Radiotherapy can be used to

• cure cancer
• reduce the chances of the cancer coming back after surgery
• shrink the tumour, so that surgery is easier to perform
• give relief from troublesome symptoms caused by cancer
• treat benign conditions, such as keloid scars

Radiotherapy may also be used along with chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.

It is important to remember that your treatment is planned just for you and it will vary from patient to patient.  The section below 'Planning your Radiotherapy' provides more information about what is involved. 

Radiotherapy uses radiation to cause damage to abnormal cells within the treatment area. These cells are unable to repair themselves and are eventually destroyed. Normal cells that are affected usually recover and repair themselves.

Radiotherapy is planned in such a way as to keep the dose of radiation as low as possible to normal tissue. Each course of radiotherapy is tailored to suit individual requirements.

Radiotherapy, like any other form of treatment, has risks and benefits. The risks are associated with the organs and tissues that receive radiotherapy. Most people will experience some side effects. The nature and severity varies from person to person. Side effects are usually temporary; however there may be a small risk of long term late side effects, which may be permanent. These will be discussed with you prior to any radiotherapy being prescribed.

The staff you will meet in the radiotherapy department are specialists in cancer treatment and radiotherapy. Every staff member is committed to providing a high quality service to patients and their families/carers.

We work very closely as a team to deliver the best possible care to you.

Clinical Oncologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of cancers. They will explain to you how a course of radiotherapy could be used to treat your cancer. They will also explain any side effects that radiotherapy may cause and how these will affect you.

Therapeutic Radiographers are the staff who you will meet each time you attend for your radiotherapy. They will carry out scans and planning for your treatment and will ensure that treatment is delivered accurately. They will check you are fit for treatment at each appointment. You can also share any day to day concerns with them.

Medical Physicists and Technicians will ensure that all equipment used to deliver your treatment is safe to use and that the treatment planned for you is calculated precisely to deliver the intended dose.

Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists are available to provide support throughout your treatment. They will help you to manage the side effects of treatment and look after your general wellbeing while you are receiving radiotherapy.

Support Staff carry out many tasks that are vital to ensure your visits for radiotherapy are as easy as they can be. You will meet some of them, but others work behind the scenes.

Healthcare Support Workers are the staff that will greet you everyday when you arrive at the department. They will make sure that you are prepared for your daily treatment and are at the right place at the right time.

The first radiotherapy appointment you have will be a planning appointment.  These appointments are used to determine exactly where to target your radiotherapy.

There are usually no special preparations needed before your appointment, and you may eat and drink as normal before and after the scan.  Please arrive at the department approximately 10 minutes before your appointment time to give you time to check in at reception.   

Some patients are given some instructions to do before their appointments, for example we may ask you to follow bladder and bowel preparation prior to your scan.  In this case you will need to arrive at the department before your appointment time so that you will have time to perform all the preparation required for your appointment.  Instructions for this will have been provided at your Oncology clinic appointment, or sent with your CT scan appointment letter.  The preparation before your CT scan and appointments is extremely important.  Please follow any information provided and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that are easily removed as your radiographer will need to expose some of the skin in the area you are having treatment. 

Radiotherapy department reception (available from 8.45am until 5.00pm) – 01382 740201

Oncology Support Team (available from 8.45am until 5.00pm) – 01382 660111 (ext 36042)

Out of Hours Cancer Treatment Helpline: 0800 917 7711