Here are answers to some common questions about radiotherapy treatment.
Does radiotherapy treatment hurt?
When the radiotherapy is being delivered, the treatment itself is not painful. It is similar to having an X-ray or CT scan taken. Some people can feel pain or discomfort from the side effects of treatment or the often slightly awkward positions they need to lie in for treatment. If you have had surgery or other treatments, this might make the experience uncomfortable. Your therapeutic radiographers are there to support you. They will use equipment to make you as stable and comfortable as they can.
Some people find the experience very mentally challenging and experience strong emotions during treatment. Especially if they have to wear a mask or head frame, which can feel claustrophobic. You can talk to your team about any worries you have, and they will support you as much as possible.
Can you see my cancer on the scan?
We use your images for accuracy purposes only. We need to make sure that you are in the perfect position for treatment so that we can deliver your radiotherapy safely and accurately. We are not able to tell you if your treatment is working through these images and scans.
Cardiac and Implanted Device
It is important that you inform your consultant clinical oncologist or a member of their team if you have a cardiac device or an implanted device during your initial consultation. This is required, as it is known that radiation can/may affect cardiac devices/implanted devices.
For cardiac devices your department will arrange any required pacing checks for you and make sure that any necessary precautions are taken. Sometimes on your first day of treatment it is necessary for a doctor or a member of the clinical measurements team to be present and for your heart rate to be monitored. You may also be required to go for a pacing check once your whole treatment has been completed.
For implanted devices, the team will advise if any checks are required or actions to be taken during radiotherapy.
I have only just had a CT scan; do I need another one?
Yes. The radiotherapy CT scan is different from ones you may have had before, as you will be scanned in the position that is required to treat you. Radiotherapy CT scanners are linked to a computer planning system so that the scanning information can be used to plan your treatment.
Can I keep my clothes on?
In order to maintain your dignity during treatment, we only ask that clothing that covers the area to be treated be removed. Specialist gowns may be provided where required.
Please make sure you do not wear unnecessary layers of clothing to help us keep to our appointment times.
Am I alone during radiotherapy treatment?
During the actual treatment, you have to be alone, but your treatment team can hear and talk to you through an intercom and see you via CCTV. They will tell you how to signal if you need help.
Will I be radioactive after treatment?
No, external beam radiotherapy does not make you radioactive. You can safely be around other people, including children and pregnant women, during and after your treatment. For internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy), there may be special precautions for a short time, which your healthcare team will explain.
Should I take medications and/or vitamins while receiving treatment?
You can take your prescription medications as normal through radiotherapy. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your treatment team. Patients that take non-prescription therapies, vitamins, and supplements should ask their treatment team about this. Your team might suggest not taking them while you have radiotherapy if they could have a negative impact. For example, antioxidants might reduce the effectiveness of radiation on cancer cells.
What kind of clothes should I wear?
You can wear anything you feel comfortable in. Remember that you will need to move or take off any clothes covering the area where you need treatment. If you wear clothing for faith reasons, you will need to move it or take it off, but your team will try to support you in feeling comfortable and dignified.
Can I drive to and from my radiotherapy appointments?
Most people can drive during radiotherapy treatment. However, if you're experiencing fatigue or taking medications that might affect your driving, you may want to arrange alternative transportation. Discuss this with your healthcare team if you're concerned.
Can I work during radiotherapy treatment?
Many people continue to work during radiotherapy, especially if their job isn't physically demanding. However, fatigue is a common side effect, so you may need to adjust your working hours or take time off. Your healthcare team can provide a medical note if needed.
Can I miss a treatment?
For external beam radiotherapy, you would typically have weekday treatments. Treatments can range from a single session to daily sessions over a few weeks. Usually you can have the weekend ‘off’ and won’t have a treatment on Saturday and Sunday. To make sure the treatment works as well as possible, it is important that treatments not be delayed or missed unless there is a really good reason. If you must miss a treatment for medical reasons, your team will talk this through with you. If you are having a course of radiotherapy, it’s important not to book holidays or make plans that could cause you to miss a treatment.
Do I see a doctor during my treatment?
You will not normally see a doctor during your course of radiotherapy. Everyone's treatment and well-being are closely monitored throughout, and you may be seen in a Treatment Review Clinic. These clinics are run by specially trained review radiographers to support you during your treatment. The treatment radiographers can also make sure that you have the correct medication and use their expertise to answer any questions.
If you have any problems and you do not have a review appointment booked, please speak to one of the radiographers and they can give you advice.
Does radiotherapy cause infertility?
Sometimes, yes, but this is dependent on many factors. It is more of a risk in children and young adults when the radiotherapy is near or treating organs that are part of the reproductive system. If this applies to you, your team will talk you through your options. This might include freezing and storing eggs or sperm. We know this can be a very difficult part of cancer treatment. Please see the links below for further information about fertility and cancer.
Can I have the flu vaccination while I am having radiotherapy?
You may be offered the flu vaccination. If you are just having radiotherapy, it is fine for you to have the flu vaccine. If you are having chemotherapy as well, please ask for further advice.
Can I eat before/after treatment?
Unless it is stated in your personal treatment preparation that you must not eat or drink prior to treatment, you are able to eat and drink as normal before and after treatment. Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions.
Can I go swimming?
You may go swimming if your skin is not blistered, broken down, or peeling. It is best to shower immediately afterwards to wash off chlorine and apply moisturizer. Please stop swimming if it irritates your skin.
Can I use deodorant?
Please continue to use the deodorant that you normally use, unless it irritates your skin; stop if your skin blisters or peels where you are applying deodorant.
Should I moisturise my skin?
We suggest you moisturise the area of your body that will receive radiotherapy with your usual moisturiser - this will keep your skin in good condition. If you buy something new, you do not need to buy anything expensive. Please follow the advice given in the Radiotherapy Skin Reactions booklet given at your scan. If you did not receive this, please ask a member of the team for a copy. Your radiographers will speak with you about any other skin care you need.
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 or nurse.
Treatment to other parts of your body that have hair can also be affected by hair loss. Patients who suffer hair loss caused by radiotherapy may find that it takes longer to grow back and is often patchy.
Can I have an interpreter?
If you require an interpreter, this should have already been arranged for you. If you think an interpreter is required and has not been arranged, please contact the Radiotherapy Bookings Team at 01752 433346 if you have any queries regarding an interpreter. Ideally, friends and family members should not be used as interpreters.
Can I take weight management injections during treatment?
No, it is important during radiotherapy that you do not actively try and change your weight.
Your radiotherapy plan is calculated on your body shape at the time of your radiotherapy planning CT scan; any large changes to this during treatment can impact treatment delivery.
Weight management injections should be stopped when you see your consultant to consent for radiotherapy treatment until the completion of your treatment. Please inform you weight management team of the need to stop during your radiotherapy treatment
Can friends or family come with me?
Friends or family will not be able to come in to the treatment room with you but they can be there for consultations and review appointments. This may change depending on national guidance.
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 team consists of both male and female members of staff.
The radiotherapy department is supported by an extensive team including reception and administration staff, radiotherapy assistants, specialist radiographers and nurses, dietitians, therapists, and porters, who will help to look after you and make sure your experience is as good as it can be.
Do I have to stay in the hospital while having radiotherapy?
Most patients are treated as outpatients and travel to the radiotherapy department for each treatment. However, if the 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.
Why is my treatment and number of appointments different from other people's?
Everybody's treatment is individually planned so the number of appointments can vary depending on the treatment site and what the consultant has decided is the best treatment for you.
Do not worry if your appointments differ from somebody else's. We treat many different areas within the body, each requiring a different number of treatments.
What happens after I have finished my radiotherapy?
Some side effects of your treatment may continue after you have completed your radiotherapy, but the radiographers will advise you on how to manage these. They will also make sure you have all the necessary telephone numbers and information before you leave the department. You will receive a follow-up appointment at an outpatient clinic where you will meet your consultant to discuss the outcomes of your treatment and your progress. You will usually continue to attend outpatient clinics for several years after your treatment.
How do I know if my treatment has worked?
Radiotherapy treatment can keep working for several weeks after treatment has finished. You may not find out for a few months about the results of your treatment, but you will have a follow-up appointment to discuss this further. The period in between your treatment finishing and your follow-up appointment allows time for your radiotherapy side effects to settle.
What support is available once I finish radiotherapy treatment?
When you finish your treatment, you will be given a letter with general information that you may find useful. There is a large variety of materials that are available once you finish your radiotherapy treatment. Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions or concerns.
