Leading cancer treatment specialists

Before your appointment

This is the start of your experience so it’s natural to be concerned. Ask any and all questions that come to mind.

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, theranostics or chemotherapy. 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.

Pre-treatment: your CT scan

You will likely need a CT scan depending on your diagnosis. This will show us the exact shape, location and size of the tumour. It can guide further tests and helps us manage your treatment. If it’s urgent, we can arrange this for the same day as your first consultation.

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.

Your treatment plan

Our cancer treatments and technologies use the most advanced technology available, aiming for the most effective treatment with minimal damage or side-effects.

Your treatment plan is personalised to you, taking into account the shape, size and location of the tumour. How long your treatment lasts depends on your type of cancer.

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’. 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.

Your first appointment

At your first appointment, one of care team will tell you exactly what to expect from your treatment, and can answer any of your questions.

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.

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.

Managing side effects

Like most medical treatments, your treatment can cause side-effects.

Some side-effects can be treated or prevented, and most go away once treatment stops. It can be difficult to tell in advance which side-effects you may experience, as they vary from person to person.

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.

Care after treatment

We don’t leave you at the end of your treatment. We’re here for you for as long as you need us.

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

Life after cancer

When we say we’re with you every step of the way, we mean it. Our relationship with you doesn’t have to finish after your final treatment, and you’re welcome to call us or drop in and see us any time.

You may have questions, concerns or just want to catch up.

We’ve also shared some of the experiences and thoughts of other GenesisCare patients about life post-treatment below, you may find these helpful.

“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.”

“While cancer can have an impact on family around you, it can also change relationships outside of your close circles.”