About Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to treat cancer. It can be used to cure some cancers, reduce the chance of cancer returning, or to help relieve symptoms. This page provides information about how radiotherapy works and what to expect during treatment.

What is Radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays, similar to X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It's a highly effective treatment for many types of cancer and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.

The radiation damages the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Normal cells in the treatment area can also be affected, but they usually recover better than cancer cells.

External Radiotherapy

Radiation is directed at the cancer from a machine outside the body. It's the most common type of radiotherapy and is usually given as a series of short daily treatments over several weeks.

Internal Radiotherapy

A radioactive source is placed inside the body, either temporarily or permanently. This type of treatment delivers radiation directly to the cancer while limiting exposure to surrounding tissues.

How Radiotherapy is Given

Planning Your Treatment

Before starting radiotherapy, you'll have a planning session. This involves scans (such as CT scans) to determine the exact area to be treated. Your treatment team will make small marks on your skin to ensure the radiation is directed to the same area each time.

Treatment Sessions

External radiotherapy is typically given as a series of short daily sessions (called fractions) over several weeks. Each treatment takes only a few minutes, but the entire appointment may take 15-30 minutes due to setup time.

You'll lie on a treatment couch while the radiotherapy machine delivers the precise dose of radiation. The machine may move around you, but it won't touch you. You'll be alone in the room during treatment, but the radiographers can see and hear you at all times.

Safety and Precision

Modern radiotherapy is highly precise. Advanced computer systems and imaging techniques ensure the radiation is delivered exactly where it's needed, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

It's important to know that you will not become radioactive from external radiotherapy. It's completely safe for you to be around other people, including children and pregnant women, during your course of treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Radiotherapy can cause side effects because it affects normal cells in the treatment area. Side effects vary depending on the part of the body being treated, the dose of radiation, and whether you're having other treatments like chemotherapy.

Most side effects begin during or shortly after treatment and typically improve within a few weeks after treatment ends. Some side effects may develop months or years after treatment.

Common General Side Effects

  • Fatigue (tiredness)

  • Skin reactions in the treatment area

  • Loss of appetite

  • Hair loss in the treatment area

Managing Side Effects

Your treatment team will provide specific advice on managing side effects based on your individual treatment. General recommendations include:

  • Getting plenty of rest

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet

  • Drinking plenty of fluids

  • Following skin care instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about radiotherapy treatment.

Is radiotherapy painful?

No, you won't feel anything during the actual radiotherapy treatment. It's similar to having an X-ray taken. However, some side effects that develop during the course of treatment may cause discomfort or pain, which your healthcare team can help manage.

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.

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.

What should I wear to my radiotherapy appointments?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to remove or adjust, as you may need to change into a hospital gown for some treatments. Avoid wearing metal (like zippers or underwire bras) in the treatment area. Your radiotherapy team will advise you on specific clothing recommendations for your treatment.

Support During Treatment

We understand that undergoing radiotherapy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Our dedicated team is here to support you throughout your treatment journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to speak with any member of your care team.

Radiotherapy Department Support

For questions about your treatment or side effects call 01752 431 888, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Emergency Support

For urgent concerns outside normal hours call 01752 431 999, Available 24/7 for radiotherapy patients

Was this page helpful?

Was this page helpful?
Rating

Please answer the question below, this helps us to reduce the number of spam emails that we receive so that we can spend more time responding to genuine enquiries and feedback. Thank you.

*
Recruitment - Page Footer Image