Radiotherapy 5: Treatment

The machine that delivers the treatment is called a linear accelerator. The machine will come close, but it will not touch you at any point. During the treatment you will not feel or see anything. Although you need to keep very still, there is no pain or discomfort during the treatment.

The machine will make a buzzing noise when the radiation is switched on. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off. You may be asked to change into hospital gowns on arrival.

From start to finish, the treatment will take 15 to 45 minutes each day. You can go home each day after your treatment. It is completely safe to be around people after your treatment, including the elderly and children.

Usually you will come for treatment Monday to Friday, typically with weekends off to allow your body to rest and heal.

Some highly specialised treatments may take 30 to 50 minutes. This technique is called stereotactic radiotherapy, and treatment may be every second day, Monday to Friday. It can be used for some cancers such as lung, brain and some small metastatic cancers.

Radiotherapy may also be given to help with symptoms such as pain. To manage pain or other symptoms you may only need one treatment.

How long you will have radiotherapy depends on what part of the body you're having treated, what stage your cancer is, and how fit and well you are.

To manage pain or other symptoms, you may only need one treatment, but in other cases you may have treatment for up to 6 to 8 weeks.

When you have finished your course of treatment, your radiation oncologist may need to see you for follow-up visits. This will be decided on your last day of treatment.