FAQs

How do I get to the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC) and where can I get information about parking and hospital transport?

How do I find the radiotherapy department?

The radiotherapy department can be found on level 2 of the BHOC, in zone D. Most patients should attend level 2 however, you may be asked to meet your treatment team elsewhere, for example if you are having Gamma Knife or Molecular radiotherapy treatment.

What is radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is the use of ionising radiation to treat cancer and some non-cancerous conditions. It can be used to attempt to cure cancer (radical radiotherapy) or to control/slow down the growth of cancer and/or relieve symptoms associated with cancer (palliative radiotherapy). Radiotherapy can be used alone or with systemic anti-cancer treatments.

How long will the treatment take?

Radiotherapy is often delivered in multiple small doses over a specified period of days or weeks. Your Consultant Clinical Oncologist will decide on the dose and number of treatments to prescribe you based on your diagnosis and proven scientific research. During each appointment, the majority of the time, is spent ensuring you are in the correct position and verifying this by taking some x-ray images - delivery of the treatment itself takes just a few minutes. Your approximate appointment length will be printed on your appointment list which will either be posted to you or given to you in the radiotherapy department.

What if I am/could be pregnant?

All female patients between the age of 12 and 55 years-old, will be asked to confirm their pregnancy status at their first appointment in the radiotherapy department. 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 to not become pregnant - your consultant will discuss this with you at your clinic appointment before beginning radiotherapy treatment.

I have a pacemaker-will this affect my treatment?

It is important that you inform your consultant or a member of their team if you have a pacemaker during your initial consultation. 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. On your first day of treatment, it may be necessary for a doctor or 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 you have completed your course of radiotherapy treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Radiotherapy treatment does have some side effects but these are not immediate and vary from patient to patient. Your treatment team will explain these to you and offer advice for managing them. You can find more information about side effects specific to your treatment from the relevant information leaflet.

Can friends or family come with me?

Under normal circumstances, friends and family are more than welcome to attend with you for your review appointments and consultations, however they are not able to enter the treatment room with you.

However, due to the current situation with covid-19, until further notice, we ask that all patients attend alone, unless in exceptional circumstances where assistance from a carer is required.

Can I eat before/after treatment?

Most patients are able to eat and drink as normal before and after radiotherapy treatment-if this is not the case, you will be informed by your treatment team. If you have any questions, please speak to a radiographer.

Will my radiotherapy treatment hurt?

You will not feel anything during your radiotherapy treatment. The machine will move around you and you may hear the machine buzzing as it is delivering your treatment.

Can I have the flu vaccination whilst I am having radiotherapy?

You may be offered the flu vaccination. If you are having radiotherapy treatment alone (without chemotherapy or other treatments), it is fine for you to have the flu vaccination. If you are unsure, please ask your treatment team.

What happens after I have finished my radiotherapy?

Some side effects of your treatment may continue after you have completed your radiotherapy, but the radiographers will advise you on how to manage these. They will also ensure you have all the necessary telephone numbers and information before you leave the department. You will receive a follow-up appointment to an outpatient clinic where you will meet your consultant to discuss the outcomes of your treatment and your progress. The period between your treatment finishing and your follow-up appointment allows any side effects from your radiotherapy treatment to settle.

What support is available once I finish radiotherapy treatment?

When you finish your treatment, you will be given a letter with general information that you may find useful. There are a variety of materials that are available once you finish your radiotherapy treatment. Please speak to a radiographer if you have any questions or concerns.