Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Radiotherapy safe?
Each treatment is planned with careful consideration to avoid as much healthy tissue as possible. Every patient is considered individually and a unique treatment plan produced. The Department has careful checking procedures in place to minimise risk.
Who will be looking after me?
Your Radiotherapy will be planned and delivered by a mixed team of specialist staff, including Therapeutic Radiographers, Doctors, Medical Physicists and Technical Services. The Radiotherapy Department is supported by an extensive team, including reception and administration staff, Radiotherapy Helpers, Specialist Nurses, Dieticians and Porters, who will help to look after you and ensure your treatment at Ninewells is excellent.
Ninewells Hospital is also a teaching hospital. Our Student Radiographers work as part of the team to gain valuable experience in preparing and delivering radiotherapy. An experienced Radiographer always supervises them; however, if you would prefer students not to be present during your radiotherapy please let a Radiographer know as soon as possible.
Ninewells Hospital is also a teaching hospital. Our Student Radiographers work as part of the team to gain valuable experience in preparing and delivering radiotherapy. An experienced Radiographer always supervises them; however, if you would prefer students not to be present during your radiotherapy please let a Radiographer know as soon as possible.
I have just had a CT scan, do I need another one?
Yes. The Radiotherapy CT Scan is different to ones you may have had before. We need you to be scanned in the position that we require for the delivery your Radiotherapy treatment. Our CT scanner is linked to our computer planning system that we use and this scan is essential to plan your radiotherapy treatment.
Do I have to stay in hospital whilst having Radiotherapy?
Most patients are treated as outpatients and travel to Ninewells Hospital for each treatment.
If, however, your doctor anticipates any problems due to your health or the type of treatment you might be having you could be offered treatment as an inpatient.
If, however, your doctor anticipates any problems due to your health or the type of treatment you might be having you could be offered treatment as an inpatient.
What is the difference between Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment, with medicine used to kill cancer cells. It is circulated throughout the whole body and is taken as a tablet or injection. Radiotherapy is produced by a linear accelerator or a radioactive source. The radiotherapy beams are focused on a very specific area of the body, so only the area treated is affected.
How does the doctor know how much radiation to give me?
Through years of research and experience, there are a variety of doses that are recommended for each specific kind of cancer. Your case will be thoroughly reviewed by the Consultant Clinical Oncologist, and a personalised dose and the treatment field will be prescribed based on the cancer diagnosis, the cell type, and the location and stage of the disease.
Will it hurt, and are there any side effects?
During treatment you will not see or feel anything.
The treatment does have some side effects but these are not immediate and vary from patient to patient. Your treatment team will explain these to you and offer advice for reducing them.
The treatment does have some side effects but these are not immediate and vary from patient to patient. Your treatment team will explain these to you and offer advice for reducing them.
When will I start my Radiotherapy?
Before your treatment can begin computer calculations, data input, construction of accessories, and planning checks must be completed. Treatment is started as soon as possible following the completion of this process.
What happens when I come for treatment?
Once you have booked in at the Radiotherapy reception on Level 2, you will be directed to take a seat in the waiting room. If you are required to do any preparation for the treatment you will be advised by the healthcare support workers at reception. If required, you will be asked to change before the treatment team take you into the treatment room.
The first treatment will generally take the longest. During this time, the radiographers will double-check measurements and explain the procedure thoroughly to you.
The room lights will be dimmed so that the radiographers can see the light fields from the machine projected onto your skin as they position you and the machine correctly; to match the plan worked out previously.
You will be left alone in the room for about a minute while the X-rays are switched on. There are cameras positioned in the treatment room so the radiographers can watch you at all times, and hear you if you call. Radiotherapy is painless but it is important to lie still while your treatment is being given. The radiographers will move the treatment unit to different positions around you, although not touching you.
The first treatment will generally take the longest. During this time, the radiographers will double-check measurements and explain the procedure thoroughly to you.
The room lights will be dimmed so that the radiographers can see the light fields from the machine projected onto your skin as they position you and the machine correctly; to match the plan worked out previously.
You will be left alone in the room for about a minute while the X-rays are switched on. There are cameras positioned in the treatment room so the radiographers can watch you at all times, and hear you if you call. Radiotherapy is painless but it is important to lie still while your treatment is being given. The radiographers will move the treatment unit to different positions around you, although not touching you.
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
Any instructions you need to follow will be written on your appointment letter. Please read it carefully. If any preparation is required you will be informed of this before attending your radiotherapy appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
Please bring your appointment letter with you.
Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that are easily removed if necessary as your radiographer may need to expose some of the skin in the area that you are having treated. If this is the case, a hospital gown or trousers will be provided.
Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that are easily removed if necessary as your radiographer may need to expose some of the skin in the area that you are having treated. If this is the case, a hospital gown or trousers will be provided.
How long will each appointment take?
Treatment times can vary depending on the area you are having treated but an appointment is usually between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the treatment.
You will generally be in the department for around 30 minutes but if you are required to do preparation for your planning CT scan or treatment you can expect to be in the department between 30 -90 minutes.
You will generally be in the department for around 30 minutes but if you are required to do preparation for your planning CT scan or treatment you can expect to be in the department between 30 -90 minutes.
Is the same dose delivered each day?
Generally, the dose that you receive each day will be the same, however, the time the treatment machine takes to deliver that dose each day may vary slightly each day. In some treatment courses, your doctor may wish to treat a smaller area towards the end of your treatment. This is called a treatment boost or a separate treatment phase but the actual dose delivered does not generally increase. You may notice that your side effects increase as the treatment progresses. This is not because the dose delivered daily is increasing; rather it is a result of the cumulative effect of the radiation.
Why can't the treatment be given all at once?
Side effects of radiotherapy are minimised by separating a large total dose into many smaller daily doses. Although it may seem inconvenient, this is the best way to deliver sufficient total radiation dose without permanently damaging normal body tissues.
Sometimes, a single treatment of radiotherapy may be given. This is generally for palliation, and the dose delivered is enough to relieve pain or the symptoms of the disease. In these cases the doses are not high enough to cause permanent or extreme damage to the normal tissues.
Sometimes, a single treatment of radiotherapy may be given. This is generally for palliation, and the dose delivered is enough to relieve pain or the symptoms of the disease. In these cases the doses are not high enough to cause permanent or extreme damage to the normal tissues.
Do I have to come every day?
The radiotherapy department is closed at weekends and the public holidays at Christmas and New Year.
Several different treatment schedules exist, not all of which will require patients to come every day. Your doctor will have discussed with you the best schedule for you. It is very important that you try not to miss any treatments in your schedule.
Several different treatment schedules exist, not all of which will require patients to come every day. Your doctor will have discussed with you the best schedule for you. It is very important that you try not to miss any treatments in your schedule.
Will I always be treated at my appointment time?
The staff try their best to organise the machine schedule to ensure that appointments are kept on time, but on some days, there may be delays because of unexpected circumstances. Staff will advise you, at the earliest opportunity, of any such delays.
Can I change my appointment time?
We are a very busy department, with approximately 60-90 patients on treatment at any one time. Unfortunately it is not always possible to accommodate everyone's wishes but radiographers will try their best to work around any issues or other appointments that you may have. It is best to ask at the earliest opportunity if your require changes to your appointment schedule.
What if I am unwell and unable to come for treatment?
If you feel you are too ill to attend for your treatment it is essential that you contact the department on 01382 740210, as early as possible on that day between 8.45am and 5.00pm. We would not expect minor illnesses, such as a cold, to prevent you from receiving treatment.
In the event that you are too unwell, or have to miss an appointment for another reason, an extra appointment will be added the end of your treatment course. For this reason it is advisable not to plan or book any holidays for the week immediately after your treatment was due to complete.
In the event that you are too unwell, or have to miss an appointment for another reason, an extra appointment will be added the end of your treatment course. For this reason it is advisable not to plan or book any holidays for the week immediately after your treatment was due to complete.
Why am I having a different number of treatments to others with the same problem?
There are a wide variety of cancer types. Each type will have a variety of ways it can be treated. Your doctor or Consultant Clinical Oncologist will have discussed the most suitable treatment schedule for you. Each patient is considered individually so you can be sure that the treatment you are receiving is the best for you.
How do I know if the treatment is working?
Radiotherapy can be compared to a course of antibiotics. All of the drugs in the course should be taken before a cure is expected. The same can be said of radiotherapy treatment. Sometimes you may feel some relief of symptoms, but often it is hard to know the result of the treatment until after the course is completed, especially if the aim of treatment is a cure. A follow up appointment will be arranged for after your treatment has finished, you will see your clinical oncologist and they will arrange for follow-up tests to be done if required.
Will I see a doctor during my treatment?
We run a nurse led radiotherapy review clinic within the department. The majority of patients will be seen by a nurse from the Oncology Support Team during treatment. If at any time you feel you would like to discuss something with a Doctor, please ask one of the radiotherapy team and they will be happy to arrange this for you.
Will I be radioactive during treatment?
No. Radiotherapy does not make you radioactive and you are safe to mix as normal.
Will I still be able to drive?
Some patients are not allowed to continue driving, and your doctor will advise you of this; you may need to inform the DVLA of your condition.
Most patients continue to drive throughout treatment. If you feel unwell or tired, however, it is recommended that you ask someone else to drive you or use public transport.
Most patients continue to drive throughout treatment. If you feel unwell or tired, however, it is recommended that you ask someone else to drive you or use public transport.
Can the hospital provide transport for my appointment?
Patients should do their best to make their own travel arrangements to and from the department. Ninewells Hospital is well served by buses from Dundee city centre and around Tayside and Fife.
Ambulance transport will not bring you to the department for a specified time; you will be either early or late for your appointment and may spend a very long time waiting to go home. This could be tiring for you and will not help us to provide the best service for all patients. Please do not request ambulance transport from your GP or nurse from your surgery. Your Consultant may authorise Special Radiotherapy Patient Transport but only if they feel it is medically necessary. This is a very limited service. You may have to wait for a space to become available.
Ambulance transport will not bring you to the department for a specified time; you will be either early or late for your appointment and may spend a very long time waiting to go home. This could be tiring for you and will not help us to provide the best service for all patients. Please do not request ambulance transport from your GP or nurse from your surgery. Your Consultant may authorise Special Radiotherapy Patient Transport but only if they feel it is medically necessary. This is a very limited service. You may have to wait for a space to become available.
Can I get any help with travel expenses?
If you are fit to travel by public transport to your appointment, or can arrange lifts from family or friends, it may be possible to reimburse travelling expenses.
If you receive Income Support, Working Family Tax Credit or Income based Jobseekers Allowance; our Cashier's Office in Ninewells Hospital will deal with your request.
If you are in receipt of a war or MOD pension, you may be able to claim expenses by contacting War Pension Branch, DSS, Norcross, Blackpool, FY5 3TA directly.
If you do not receive any of these benefits but have a weekly low income, then please visit the Cashier's Office on Level 8, Ninewells Hospital to discuss claims on form HC1. In all cases, proof of income and/or benefits will be required.
If you receive Income Support, Working Family Tax Credit or Income based Jobseekers Allowance; our Cashier's Office in Ninewells Hospital will deal with your request.
If you are in receipt of a war or MOD pension, you may be able to claim expenses by contacting War Pension Branch, DSS, Norcross, Blackpool, FY5 3TA directly.
If you do not receive any of these benefits but have a weekly low income, then please visit the Cashier's Office on Level 8, Ninewells Hospital to discuss claims on form HC1. In all cases, proof of income and/or benefits will be required.
Pregnancy
All patients registered as female at birth, between 12 and 55 years, will be asked to confirm that they are not pregnant at their first appointment in the radiotherapy department. If you are, or think you might be pregnant, please ensure that you inform your Consultant Clinical Oncologist, a member of their team, or a Radiographer as soon as possible.
It is important that you take precautions during your treatment not to become pregnant, however, if you think you might be please inform a Radiographer or member of staff immediately. Radiation can damage an unborn baby, so it is vital that you tell us if you are pregnant.
It is important that you take precautions during your treatment not to become pregnant, however, if you think you might be please inform a Radiographer or member of staff immediately. Radiation can damage an unborn baby, so it is vital that you tell us if you are pregnant.
Pacemakers
It is important that you inform your Consultant Clinical Oncologist, or a member of their team, that you have a pacemaker during your initial consultation. This is required as it is known that radiation can affect pacemakers. Depending on the area of your body that requires radiotherapy we may arrange a pacing check for you prior to treatment commencing. We will ensure that any necessary precautions are taken during treatment if required. You may also be asked to attend for a pacing check once your whole treatment has been completed.
Smoking
Smoking while receiving a course of radiotherapy potentially makes any side effects that you may experience more pronounced, and may significantly increase the length of your recovery time.
It is strongly advised that you stop smoking, or that you significantly reduce the amount that you smoke.
For more advice and support on how to stop smoking visit the NHS website at http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree or call the Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84.
It is strongly advised that you stop smoking, or that you significantly reduce the amount that you smoke.
For more advice and support on how to stop smoking visit the NHS website at http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree or call the Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84.
Will I lose my hair?
Most patients will not lose their hair, however, if you are having radiotherapy to your head or neck you may suffer some hair loss. Your Consultant Clinical Oncologist should have discussed this with you and an appointment to discuss having a wig can be arranged for you by a Radiographer.
Treatment to other parts of your body that have hair, for example your chest if you are male, can also be affected by hair loss.
Patients who suffer hair loss caused by radiotherapy may find that it grows back, but it often takes longer than it does after chemotherapy, and is often patchy. Your Consultant Clinical Oncologist will discuss this with you.
Treatment to other parts of your body that have hair, for example your chest if you are male, can also be affected by hair loss.
Patients who suffer hair loss caused by radiotherapy may find that it grows back, but it often takes longer than it does after chemotherapy, and is often patchy. Your Consultant Clinical Oncologist will discuss this with you.
Can I colour or perm my hair during Radiotherapy?
Unless you are having radiotherapy to the head or neck area, you will be able to colour or perm your hair as normal. Care should be taken not to allow any contact between these products and the area that you are receiving treatment to, and you should inform your hairdresser. If this concerns you, please ask a Radiographer for further advice.
Can I still wear make-up?
Make up, perfumes and lotions should not be placed on the skin within the treatment area, as many contain metallic traces that are left as residue and can increase skin sensitivity and redness.
A Radiographer will advise you of which areas of your body to avoid with these products on the first day of your treatment.
A Radiographer will advise you of which areas of your body to avoid with these products on the first day of your treatment.
Can I swim or sunbathe?
It is possible to swim whilst on treatment, as long as the skin is thoroughly rinsed afterwards and any chlorine removed by washing with aqueous cream or a mild unperfumed soap. Skin should be patted dry. However, if your skin becomes pink or irritated then it is advisable to stop until any skin reaction you have has gone.
Sunbathing is not recommended and the treatment area should remain covered at all times whilst in the sun during treatment. The skin will remain sensitive to the sun for several years after this so you should use a high factor sun cream, total sun block or keep the area covered.
Sunbathing is not recommended and the treatment area should remain covered at all times whilst in the sun during treatment. The skin will remain sensitive to the sun for several years after this so you should use a high factor sun cream, total sun block or keep the area covered.
I would like to book a holiday after my radiotherapy is over, how soon can I travel?
Occasionally it is necessary to add extra appointments to a patient's initial treatment schedule, for instance if you are unwell or unable to attend an appointment for another reason. It is therefore advisable to not plan or book any holidays for the weeks immediately after your treatment is due to complete.
Please also bear in mind that any side effects you may experience are likely to continue after the treatment has finished, such as redness of the skin, fatigue and sensitivity to the sun. You may therefore wish to leave yourself a few weeks recovery time before going on holiday.
Please also bear in mind that any side effects you may experience are likely to continue after the treatment has finished, such as redness of the skin, fatigue and sensitivity to the sun. You may therefore wish to leave yourself a few weeks recovery time before going on holiday.
What happens after I have finished my Radiotherapy?
Some side effects patients experience are likely to continue after the treatment has finished, such as redness of the skin and fatigue. A Radiographer will give you advice about how to cope with these, and provide a contact number for you in case you have any other questions after your treatment has finished.
The oncology specialist nurse will advise you of your follow-up appointments when you have your radiotherapy on treatment review.
The oncology specialist nurse will advise you of your follow-up appointments when you have your radiotherapy on treatment review.
What do I do if I have any other questions or concerns?
If you or your family have any questions or concerns about your radiotherapy treatment, however big or small they might seem, please do not hesitate to speak to a Radiographer. You might like to make a list to bring with you the next time you visit the hospital so that you can gain all the answers you require.