Frequently asked questions

Radiotherapy treatment uses high energy X-rays to treat different types of diseases, mainly cancer. Some normal cells can be damaged by radiotherapy which can cause side effects. Your healthy cells are able to repair themselves, however cancer cells are not able to recover and are destroyed.

The treatment itself only takes a few minutes, but more time is spent setting you up correctly and taking X-ray images to check your position. Please allow 15 to 20 minutes per appointment.

You are alone during treatment. However, the radiographers can see you at all times on CCTV and can talk to you via an intercom if you wish.

You will not see or feel anything during your treatment. You will just hear the machine making a buzzing noise which is normal.

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.

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, we can arrange for one to be present at your first appointment and any review appointments and consultations you may have.

Ideally friends and family members should not be used as interpreters.

Depending on the area being treated, radiotherapy can cause specific side effects. Your consultant will give you some written information about these side effects and the radiographers will discuss these with you when you come for your first radiotherapy appointment.

Generally, treatment to all areas of the body may cause tiredness and this can mean that you need to take more time to complete everyday tasks and take regular breaks. However, many people find that they can carry on working and continuing a normal routine.

If you have any questions at any time during treatment, please ask the team.

If you need to change an appointment, please ask one of the radiographers or contact the scheduling team. The telephone number can be found on your appointment schedule.

The CT scan done before treatment is the scan that we use to plan your radiotherapy treatment. Other scans may have been used for different purposes such as a diagnosis and follow up.

The treatments itself is the same each day, but we allow extra time for taking X-rays to check your position.

No. Radiotherapy treatment is localised to the treatment area and does not affect your immune system. Concurrent treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy can affect your immunity. Please speak to a radiographer if you have questions or concerns.

In order to maintain your dignity during treatment we only ask that clothing which covers the area to be treated are removed. Gowns will be provided where required.

Unless it states in your personal treatment preparation that you do not eat or drink prior to treatment, you are able to eat or drink as normal before and after treatment. Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions.

External radiotherapy uses a machine (linear accelerator) to carefully aim beams of radiation at the cancer. It will not make you radioactive. However, other types of radiotherapy (which are not delivered at the Beacon centre) may be different.

Please speak to a radiographer if you any questions.

You are able to go near your family and friends, but only according to government and social distancing guidelines. Please speak to a radiographer if you have any concerns.

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 treatment, but you will have a follow up appointment to discuss this further.

We use your X-ray image for accuracy purposes only. We need to make sure that you are in a perfect position for treatment, so that we can deliver your radiotherapy safely and accurately.

Each treatment is planned with careful consideration to avoid as much healthy tissues as possible. Every patient is considered individually, and a unique treatment plan is produced. Each department has careful checking procedures in place to minimise risk.

Your radiotherapy will be planned and delivered by a mixed team of specialist staff including therapeutic radiographers, doctors, dosimetrists, and medical physicists. The radiotherapy department is supported by an extensive team including:

• reception and administration staff
• radiotherapy assistants
• specialist radiographers and nurses
• dieticians
• therapists
• porters.

All who will help to look after you and ensure your experience is as good as it can be.

Everybody’s treatment and wellbeing is being closely monitored throughout treatment. You may see a doctor, consultant radiographer or a member of the Macmillan Review Team. These are specially trained radiographers who can support you through your treatment.

Your doctor will decide the number of treatment sessions necessary for your radiotherapy to be effective and it is important that you attend these appointments.

You may need to attend on bank holidays or Saturdays.

If you do miss a treatment, then another appointment will be added for you so you can complete your full course of treatment.

Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions.

Everybody’s treatment is individual so the number of appointments depend on the area being treated and/or the type of cancer. Do not worry if your appointments differ to somebody else’s – we treat several different areas of the body which require a different number of treatments.

Some side effects of your treatment may continue after you have completed your radiotherapy. The radiographers will advise you on how to manage these.

You will also receive a follow up appointment, where you will be able to discuss the outcomes of your treatment and your progress. 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 treatment.

Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions or concerns.

If you are/or think you might be pregnant, please ensure that you inform your consultant clinical oncologist or a radiographer as soon as possible. It is important that you take precautions during your treatment not to become pregnant.

This is required as it is known that radiation can affect pacemakers.  Your department will arrange a pacing check for you and ensure that any necessary precautions are taken.

Sometimes on your first day of treatment it is necessary for a Dr 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.

The Beacon Centre has its own car park for Radiotherapy patient use only during the hours of 7am to 9pm, seven-days a week with the exception of the disabled parking spaces which are not Radiotherapy exclusive and may be utilised by any Blue Badge holder.

A valid parking permit will be required to use these spaces which can be collected from the main Beacon Centre Reception at your CT visit. Please ensure your permit is displayed clearly in the vehicle windscreen during your stay.

The parking spaces in the Beacon Centre car park cannot be guaranteed.

Further information about alternative hospital parking can be found on our Getting here and where to park page.

If you need to arrange a journey for your radiotherapy treatment, you can contact red cross transport on 01278 727444.

You will need to contact them to arrange your transport. They will check whether you are eligible and help you make travel arrangements.

Upon entering the Beacon Centre, walk past main reception and follow the corridor around to the right. After going through the double doors, immediately turn left and you will see the entrance to the radiotherapy department.

Please ask at main reception if you are unsure.

Please continue to use the deodorant that you normally use, unless it irritates your skin – stop if your skin blisters or peels.

If your skin is not blistered, broken down or peeling then you may go swimming. It is best to shower immediately afterwards to wash off chlorine and apply moisturiser. Please stop swimming if it irritates your skin.

You can carefully shave, ideally with an electric razor, unless advised differently by your radiographers.

Avoid sun exposure and protect the treated area from direct sunlight by covering up with clothing and/or a brimmed hat. Continue to protect the treated area from the sun for life, because your skin will be more sensitive.

Use sunscreen with SPF 50 after treatment has finished.

Please do not apply sun cream to your treatment area while undergoing radiotherapy.

We would advise that you reduce alcohol intake throughout radiotherapy treatment. Treatment sites can become aggravated by alcohol intake and make side effects worse.

Please speak to a radiographer if you would like more information.

Yes, if you feel able to drive yourself to and from your radiotherapy treatment you are welcome to do so unless told otherwise by your oncologist. If you are eligible, there is hospital and volunteer transport available.

You may be offered the flu vaccination. If you are just having radiotherapy on its own, it is fine for you to have the flu vaccine.

Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions.

At this current time, we ask that friends and family do not come into the department unless you require assistance. This is to minimise your risk of COVID-19, and to help keep our staff safe.

Please speak to a radiographer if you feel you need someone with you.

We advise that all patients follow the current government guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are in a high risk group, you will be informed via a letter from your consultant oncologist.

Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions or concerns.

Follow up scans and procedures have continued to run throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our diagnostic radiographer colleagues are working tirelessly to ensure that patients are seen in a safe environment.

Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions or concerns.