What you can expect as a patient

You can explore our resources to learn answers to common questions:

• What is radiation therapy used for?
• What are the different treatment options?
• What are the possible side effects?
• How long does treatment take?
• Is radiation therapy safe?
• Will it burn my skin?
• Watch our introduction to your treatment video
• Learn about nursing support during treatment

We want to help you understand what you need to do before you arrive for treatment at GenesisCare.

On our site, you’ll find information to assist you during your cancer experience, for whatever treatment you require.

When there’s support available, the future can seem a little less daunting.

We’re with you
From day one, the moment you first contact us, we’re with you. To listen and support, both practically and emotionally, whenever you need it. We don’t just see the cancer, we see you first. You’re the reason we’re here. Call us any time before, during or after your treatment.

Talking helps
Sometimes talking to a professional can help. They can see things from the outside and give you a different perspective. And if you want specialist help or advice from a nurse, dietitian, or physiotherapist, just ask.

Sorting the practicalities
Things like parking, transport and accommodation can be a bit of a challenge, so we do what we can to make it easy. But if you have any problems getting to and from the centre, let us know and we’ll help you sort it out.

Finding help and support
Whether you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, or are a physician, carer, family member or patient, we’re here to help.

You’ll be guided through the most common questions and misconceptions about the process for radiation therapy treatment – including:

• The different types of treatments we offer
• What happens during planning and treatment
• Side effects

We also have plenty of real life stories from patients who are keen to share the highs and lows of their treatments with you.

To us, designing better care means using the latest cancer treatments and technology to deliver the best outcomes. Depending on your diagnosis, we may use radiation oncology,  chemotherapy or theranostics. We aim to get rid of cancer and minimise damage to healthy cells and reduce the risk of side effects.

We look at care from your perspective. It’s all about making it as effective and easy as possible for you.

Before your appointment

• We understand you might feel nervous, so you’re welcome to visit us before you begin your treatment, to put your mind at ease.
• You can also come and meet your care team. We’ll talk you through your treatment, and answer any questions. Looking around the treatment area may also help you feel prepared.

During your first appointment

• Talk to us, ask questions, learn a bit more about your team and your treatment. You might want to bring a list of questions and take notes at the meeting, so you can refer back to them afterwards.
• You’re more than welcome to bring a friend or relative with you.
• Don’t worry if you forget to ask something, there’s lots of information to take in. You can always contact us for a chat later if needed.

Your consultant will go through your medical history and talk about any X-rays, scans or other tests you’ve had. You might also have a thorough physical examination.

You’ll also talk about:

• How long you might need treatment
• The treatment goals
• Any side-effects you’re likely to experience
• Any further tests or treatment you may need

Fitting treatment around your life
Your life isn’t put on hold as you have treatment. We understand that. We’ll work with you to give you appointment times that fit with everything else you’re doing.

What is a CT (or CAT) scan?
A CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes detailed 3D images of the inside of your body. This includes your internal organs, blood vessels and bones.

Is it safe?
During a CT scan you’ll be exposed to a tiny amount of radiation for a very short time. You won’t be ‘radioactive’, and there’s no risk to your family or friends. We can answer any questions before you start.
If you think you could be pregnant, and you haven’t already told us, let us know straight away. This is because radiation from the CT scanner – and radiation therapy itself – may harm your baby.

Does it hurt?
CT scanning is completely painless. You’ll lie on a table and be moved through the scanner, which is large, doughnut-shaped and open at both ends, so you shouldn’t feel claustrophobic. But if you’re worried, just let us know before the treatment starts and we can talk about how to make you more comfortable.

How long does it take?
The whole procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes. You’ll wear a hospital gown and you might be given a special dye to help improve the image quality. This can be swallowed as a drink, injected into a blood vessel, or passed in a tube into your back passage. Some people might experience a reaction to the dye. Just let us know if you’re worried at any time.

Can I move around?
It’s important to stay still or the images might be blurry, so we’ll need to get you into a comfortable position. We have special equipment that might help with that. You might also be asked to breathe in, out, or hold your breath at certain times.

After the scan we may make some small, permanent marks (tattoos) on your skin. This is to make sure the right area is treated accurately each time. They’re smaller than a freckle. If you’re having treatment for head or neck cancer, we’ll make a special frame (or mask) for you to wear during treatment. The tattoos will be made directly onto the frame or mask.

Watch the having a CT scan video for more detail.

Your treatment plan will outline:

• The type of radiation therapy you need
• How many treatment sessions (these are sometimes called ‘fractions’)
• How often you’ll visit (this is known as ‘attendance’)

What goes on behind the scenes?
If you’ve had your CT scan, your doctor and planning team will get together and review the images. If you are being treated with radiation oncology, this helps them choose the radiation dose that’s right for you. Calculating the correct dose of radiation therapy is called ‘dosimetry’. Watch the planning your treatment video for more detail.

If you are receiving another type of treatment, read more under the treatments menu to find out more about what to expect.

Who checks my treatment plan?
Once your plan has been designed, it’ll be double-checked by the clinical team. Then it’s reviewed and approved. We only start treatment when all of these checks have been done.

Some things happen at every appointment:

• Identity checks. Although some staff will know and recognise you, we always need to check your identity. You’ll be asked to confirm your full name, date of birth, address and the area of your body being treated.
• Your measurements. Key measurements will also be checked and recorded while you’re getting ready.

Watch our what to expect video.

You’ll never have to face your treatment alone. Your care team will always be with you to answer any questions and help you feel comfortable and welcome.

The side-effects of treatment can depend on:

• The type of cancer and where it is
• Which type of therapy is being used–radiation, chemotherapy, theranostics or something else
• What the therapy is doing – curing your cancer or managing symptoms

Everyone’s different
Side-effects vary from person to person, so it’s difficult to predict how you’ll be affected. Some people may feel worse towards the end of the course of treatment. Side-effects may last only a few weeks or longer; others are permanent.

We can help you find ways to reduce and manage any side-effects. Together we’ll create a care plan to help manage your treatment, and help make it as comfortable as possible. Read more about specific side effects per type of treatment.

Immediate follow-up care
After your treatment, we’ll arrange some follow-up appointments so we can see how you’re getting on. We can talk about any health issues or questions you might have.

Some of the things we might cover with you include:

• When you can get back to your normal lifestyle
• How often we’ll need to see each other
• Symptoms or side-effects you should keep an eye out for
• Any special dietary requirements you might have

Follow-up care includes:

• Checking the results of your treatment
• Arranging further treatment if needed

“When treatment ends, a new chapter in your life begins. It’s a chapter that brings hope and happiness – yet you may also be feeling a little afraid. Many people worry that their cancer will come back, and these feelings can sometimes be quite intense.”

“It’s normal to feel mixed emotions about follow-up appointments with your doctor, or anniversaries of your cancer diagnosis.”

“After cancer, you’ll be looking forward to getting back to a more normal life – but it’s not always easy. You’ll deal with these challenges in your own way, in your own time – and no two cancer experiences are the same.”