Your cancer specialist has recommended that your cancer is treated with a course of radiotherapy. This note is a simple guide to radiotherapy treatment, which, while it does not deal with every issue, we hope will answer some of your questions. It forms part of a series of leaflets, some of which deal with specific types of treatment to particular parts of the body. You may also be given one or more of these. If you have any further questions before, during or after your treatment please do not hesitate to contact one of the team treating you.

A specialist cancer doctor is known as a radiotherapist or oncologist. In this note we will refer to him/her as an oncologist. The oncologist will plan and oversee your treatment, which will be carried out by therapy radiographers. In addition the team looking after you may include nurses, health care assistants, specialist nurses, counsellors and dietitians, according to your needs during your treatment.

Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer with radiation. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the nature of your cancer. The most commonly used method is called external beam therapy, which directs radiation at the tumour.

Although the radiation affects both cancer and normal cells, because of the nature of cancer cells, it has a greater effect on them. Treatment aimed at cure will give the highest possible dose of radiation, within safe limits, to attempt to kill all the cancer cells. Sometimes smaller doses are used, where the aim is to reduce the size of a tumour and/or relieve symptoms.

Radiotherapy treatment is given using either a machine called a linear accelerator or a cobalt beam or, for some skin tumours, a superficial x-ray unit. To receive the radiotherapy you will lie on a couch under the machine, and be asked to remain still during the actual treatment.

Every course of radiotherapy treatment is designed to suit the particular needs of the person receiving it, so you will usually be asked to make a preliminary visit to the Radiotherapy department to have your course of treatment planned. The oncologist and radiographers will do this using a machine called a simulator in conjunction with X-rays and scans. Your skin will be marked with coloured pens to define where you will have your treatment. In addition some minute permanent marks will be made using a special dye and a tiny pin prick. These will enable the radiographers to identify exactly the right area at every treatment session. If you are having radiotherapy to your mouth and/or throat you will also have a dental assessment at this stage, and you may need some dental treatment before you start your radiotherapy.

As before an operation, it is now a legal requirement to have a signed Consent Form from you before the start of radiotherapy treatment

No. The treatment is completely painless. Radiation cannot be seen or felt while it is being given.

No. There is no possibility of this whatsoever.

This varies from machine to machine. Some machines operate at a faster rate than others, and it also depends on the plan worked out for you. The length of treatment can take anything from five minutes to fifteen minutes or longer. Your radiographer will tell you how long each session will take when you come for your first treatment.

Your doctor will tell you this once the appropriate treatment for you has been decided. A course can last for anything from a single treatment to daily treatment for several weeks depending on a number of factors, eg the part of your body being treated and the aim of the treatment. Most treatments are carried out daily between Monday and Friday, although some treatments are given several times per day and may include weekends.

If you are able to travel to the hospital for treatment there is usually no need for you to be admitted during the course. Most people are treated as outpatients, but your oncologist will tell you if it would be better for you to be admitted. If you live a long way from the hospital but do not need to be admitted, then you may be able to stay in the hospital sarai or any hotel near the hospital.

All female patients must be aware of the importance of not being or becoming pregnant at any time throughout a course of radiotherapy and for up to 4 months afterwards. If you think you may be pregnant at any time during treatment it is extremely important that you discuss this with either your oncologist, radiographer or nurse as soon as possible

During your course of treatment you may need to have occasional blood tests and/or urine tests, depending on the part of your body being treated. Some people also have X-rays and/or scans during their course of treatment, which is part of the routine and nothing to worry about.

DO drink plenty of fluids every day during treatment, ie tea, coffee, milk, fruit juice, water or fizzy drinks (ideally sugar-free), to help you to keep the rest of your body functioning normally. DO eat regularly and try to keep a balanced diet. If you don't feel like big meals try eating little and often. The dietitian can help to plan a diet for you if necessary. DO wash, shower or bath normally, using a simple or baby soap. If there are any special washing instructions the radiographer or nurse will advise you when you start your treatment. DON'T drink spirits, eat spicy food or very hot or very cold food if you are having treatment to your mouth, neck or chest, but ask the radiographers if you have any doubts. DON'T expose the area that has been treated to strong sunlight either during treatment or for many months afterwards, as the treated area will burn more easily and take some time to heal. The radiographer or nurse will advise you about using a sun block cream after your treatment.

• Hair loss
You will only lose the hair on your head if your scalp is being treated. Whether or not it grows again will depend on how much radiation you have been given. Your oncologist will explain what this means for you. If your hair is expected to grow again this should happen within a few months of the end of your treatment

If you do have any difficulties at any time in the future which you feel may be connected with your radiotherapy, then do not hesitate to contact your radiotherapy doctor. If there are any special risks or problems in your case then your oncologist will discuss this with you. Bear in mind that you are being offered radiotherapy because the benefits greatly outweigh the risks

If you feel you wish to carry on working, as long as the oncologist agrees, there is no reason why you should not continue with your normal daily routine throughout your course of treatment. Do ask if you need advice.

The immediate side effects of the treatment described above will start to ease off within a week or two of the end of your course. Because of the way radiotherapy works the full benefit of the course of treatment is not usually reached until some weeks after the last treatment session

Your treatment will be supervised by a consultant Oncologist working with a team of other doctors.

It is situated on the ground floor of the main hospital. Please ask the reception or your surgeon or nurse to guide you. Adequate signages in the hospital will also be helpful in finding the department

We aim to provide the care appropriate to each individual in a friendly and supportive environment. We strive to ensure that your care is of a high standard and is given in a safe and professional way. We are committed to the partnership of different disciplines, patients and relatives, and will ensure that effective communication is maintained whilst recognising your right to confidentiality and privacy.

The staff are happy to talk to you and to help you with any problems. Please do not feel hesitant about asking questions - we are pleased to give you help and advice wherever possible.