What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is the use of x-rays and similar rays (such as photons) to treat disease. It works by destroying the cancer cells in the treated area, and can be given before or after surgery. Sometimes radiotherapy and chemotherapy are given at the same time.

Radiotherapy as a palliative treatment
Some patients may be given radiotherapy as palliative treatment. In other words, it will be used to relieve the symptoms of the cancer or to reduce pain.

Where will you have radiotherapy?
Because of the nature of radiotherapy equipment, not every local hospital has the space, expertise or resources to carry out radiotherapy. Therefore radiotherapy departments tend to be found in the larger regional and teaching hospitals. Often you will have your initial cancer treatment (such as surgery) at your local hospital and will then be referred to your nearest specialist cancer treatment hospital for your radiotherapy treatment.

Will you suffer from side effects?
Radiotherapy can destroy cancer cells, but it can also have an effect on some of the surrounding normal cells. Side effects, such as tiredness or skin reactions, are likely to be minimal and some people will experience none at all.

You should, however, discuss possible side effects with your doctor in order to prepare yourself before treatment.

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