Radiotherapy patient information

The review team provides information about the side effects caused by radiotherapy. Our role is to support and advise both patients and health care professionals.

• Side effects are generally localised to the site being treated, apart from fatigue and nausea and vomiting. Common side effects include: skin erythema and desquamation, pain, diarrhoea or constipation, urinary problems and hair loss.
• Side effects usually appear 2 weeks after the radiotherapy treatment has started, continue developing for 2 weeks after the treatment has finished and then resolve within 6 weeks.

You can find a break down of information for each area of the body on the right hand side of this page.

A multidisciplinary team provides a service specifically for head and neck cancer patients. A specialist nurse, dietician, speech and language therapist and radiographer support patients with swallowing, weight management, communication problems and skin care.

The service is supported by Macmillan and we embrace holistic healthcare. Alongside symptom management we can signpost to counselling, financial advice and exercise programs so support those living with and beyond cancer.

You can contact the service on 01823 344234 or email radiotherapysupport@tst.nhs.uk

Following radiotherapy patients may develop late effects.  These can occur from 6 months to many years after treatment has finished and are due to permanent changes in tissues. Chronic pain, incontinence and lymphoedema are examples of late effects.  These are often permanent but can be managed with simple lifestyle changes or medications. We have close links with local and national specialist late effects services to provide both expert advice and treatment within the community.

You can contact the service on 01823 342933 or email RTLateEffects@somersetFT.nhs.uk