Radiotherapy Information for Patients

This section will help you learn about your radiotherapy treatment.

To find out what people wanted to know the most, we asked past radiotherapy patients about their own questions. Therapeutic Radiographers and specialist nurses were also asked the most common questions they hear from patients.

This information is about external beam radiotherapy; this is radiotherapy given from outside your body into your body. Other types of radiotherapy, such as brachytherapy, are not included in this information.

Please ask the team looking after you if you have any questions. There is no such thing as a silly question. We know that having radiotherapy can feel worrying. We are here to support you.

Does radiotherapy hurt?

No. No pain will be felt during the treatment.

Will I feel anything at all during the treatment?

No. You will not feel anything while the machine is on. Some people hear a buzzing or clicking sound, but this is normal.

How long does each treatment take?

Each treatment is usually short, lasting only a few minutes. Most appointments though take around 15 to 30 minutes, but some appointments can last up to an hour.

If radiotherapy is safe, why do the Therapeutic Radiographers leave the room?

Radiotherapy is safe for you as a patient. You only receive a small, carefully planned dose each day. The Radiographers leave because they work with the radiation every day. Leaving the room keeps their total exposure to radiation very low over time.

How will I feel after each treatment?

Everyone is different. Some people feel fine, others may feel tired. Side effects usually build up slowly during treatment. You will be told by your team what to expect.

What happens if I miss a treatment?

Your team should be told as soon as possible if a session (we call them ‘fractions’) may be missed. How well the radiotherapy works can be affected if sessions are missed. Another time will be found for any missed session.

How will I know if the radiotherapy is working?

Follow-up appointments will be given to you after your treatment ends. How well the treatment has worked will be checked by your doctor, usually through scans or tests. Weeks or months may be needed before the full effect is seen. Sometimes radiotherapy is given when there is no cancer visible because it has been removed in an operation. When it is given because of this reason, radiotherapy lowers the risk of the cancer returning.

Why do people with the same cancer have a different number of treatments?

Every person is different. The number of treatments depends on:

· the type and size of the cancer, 

· where the cancer is in the body,

· what we need the treatment to do.

The right number of sessions will be planned for you.

Will I have to take all my clothes off to have the radiotherapy? If so, would there be anything to cover me up?

You may need to remove some clothing, so the radiographers can line you up for the treatment. You will always be given a gown or sheet to cover yourself. 

Can I wear jewellery of a sentimental nature during the radiotherapy?

It is best to remove jewellery from the treatment area. Metal can affect how the radiotherapy works. If you have jewellery, you are worried about, speak to your treatment team and they will advise you.

When I go to the toilet, following treatment, will the pee be radioactive?

No. External beam radiotherapy does not make your pee or body fluids radioactive. You are safe to use the toilet as normal and to be around others.

I am supposed to drink a lot of water before each radiotherapy session - what if I need to go to the toilet just before my radiotherapy session?

Tell your team straight away. They will advise you whether it is safe to go to the toilet and then drink again, or whether your session can be moved slightly. There is no need to worry — this is something your team are used to.

What happens if the radiotherapy machine breaks down and I am in it?

The machine is checked every day to make sure it is safe. If it stops working, the Radiographers will come into the room straight away to help you. You will not be left alone. The Radiographers can come into the room at any time when needed.

Will the therapeutic radiographers speak to me during the sessions? 

Yes. The Radiographers will speak to you through an intercom. They can also see you on a screen at all times. 

What if I don't hear them and don't do something important?

If you cannot hear well, your team should be told before your session, so that the best way to reach you can be found.

Will I be allowed to play my own music during the sessions?

This varies between departments. Ask your team when you arrive. Many departments are happy to play music for you during treatment.

Can I wear headphones to block out the noise of the machine?

No, the radiographers need you to be able to hear them speak to you during the treatment.

If I am too sick one day (due to side effects of chemo/radiotherapy) to travel into my radiotherapy appointment - will I still have to have it?

Your team should be called as soon as possible. You will be advised on whether the session can be moved. The appointment should not be missed without your team being told.

What happens when my treatment day falls on a Bank Holiday?

Some radiotherapy departments do not run on Bank Holidays. Your team will plan your treatment around this. You do not need to worry — any missed days will be accounted for in your treatment plan.

Do I have treatment days on the weekends?

Most radiotherapy is given Monday to Friday. Some specialist treatments may include weekends. Your team will tell you your exact schedule before you start.

Can I put cream on the radiotherapy reaction to stop it hurting so much?

Yes, but only use creams that your team has recommended. Some creams can make the skin sore. Always check with your team before applying anything to the treated area.

Can I eat immediately after having my treatment, or even just before?

You can eat and drink normally for most types of radiotherapy. Some treatments need an empty stomach or a full bladder. Clear instructions will be given to you by your team before you start.

Will I be able to drive after the treatment, or should I arrange to be dropped off and picked up?

Most people can drive after radiotherapy. However, if you feel very tired or are taking medicines that affect your concentration, it may be safer to arrange a lift. If you are unsure, ask your team.

Can I be around children and pregnant people?

Yes. External beam radiotherapy does not make you radioactive, so you are completely safe to be around children and pregnant people.

We hope this information helps, remember the radiotherapy  team looking after you are there to help you understand the treatment.