Radiotherapy Treatment at the Worcestershire Oncology Centre- Easy read

Radiotherapy Treatment at the Worcestershire Oncology Centre- Easy read

Introduction

This booklet uses easy words and pictures to help you get information about cancer.

You might want someone to help you look at the booklet so you can talk about it.

Radiotherapy uses strong x-rays to kill many types of cancer.

Your doctor will decide if you need radiotherapy.

You will usually have a treatment every day, but usually not on the weekend.

Your doctor will decide how many treatments you need.

The person who gives you the radiotherapy is called a radiographer.

You will have all your treatment in the Oncology Centre.

When you get to the Oncology Centre tell the receptionist your name.

Before Treatment

You will need a scan to help plan your treatment.

A radiographer will talk to you about the scan before you have it.

If you have a pacemaker or may be pregnant tell the radiographer.

You will have to lie very still on the bed. The bed is very flat.

Every person is different and may need to lie in a different position.

Here are some photos of things we may use to help you stay still.

Tell the radiographer if you are not comfortable.

The scan is very quick.

The radiographer will have to leave the room, so they are protected from the strong x-rays.

Don’t worry, they can still see and hear you and talk to you.

We may have to give you little tattoos to make sure you are in the right position for treatment.

The tattoos are only small dots, but will be there forever.

If you want to come and see the radiotherapy department before treatment ask a radiographer or your doctor.

Treatment

There may be a gap of 2-3 weeks while your treatment is planned.

When you come back for your treatment the radiographer will tell you what will happen.

You may want to ask some questions.

You may need to wear a gown so the radiographer can see your tattoos.

The radiographer will help you to lie down in the right position.

This position will be exactly the same as the scan.

This is the radiotherapy machine

The radiographers may have to turn the lights off.

The machine will move around you during treatment and may make some noises.

You will have to stay very still.

The radiographers are outside the room to protect them from the strong x-rays.

They can see you on a camera so wave if you need them to come in.

Side effects

There are some side effects that your doctor will tell you about.

During your treatment you will see a specialist radiographer to talk about your side effects.

Your side effects may carry on for a few weeks to a few months after treatment.

Contacts

If you have any questions ask your doctor.

For questions about appointments and transport call 01905 768901

To speak to the specialist radiographers about your side effects call 01905 761420

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

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