Radiotherapy

The treatments are usually given from Monday–Friday with a rest at the weekend. Your child’s doctor will discuss the treatment and possible side effects with you.

The length of treatment will depend on the type of cancer your child has.

Planning radiotherapy

Radiotherapy has to be planned carefully and this may take a few visits. On your child’s first visit to the radiotherapy department, they may have a CT scan or lie under a machine called a simulator. The CT scanner or simulator takes x-rays of the area to be treated.

The treatment is planned by a cancer specialist (clinical oncologist). Marks may be drawn on your child’s skin to help the radiographer, who gives the treatment, to position them accurately. This makes sure that the treatment is given to the right place each time.

Sometimes a mould or mask is made to keep the affected part of the body still each time the treatment is given. The doctors or specialist nurse will explain more about this if your child needs a mould or mask.

Treatment sessions

At the start of each radiotherapy session, the radiographer will position your child carefully on the couch and make sure they’re comfortable. During the treatment, your child will be left alone in the room, but they will be able to talk to the radiographer who will be watching from the next room. In some hospitals, story tapes can be played or you can read stories over the communication system while your child has their treatment.

Radiotherapy is not painful, but your child has to lie completely still for a few minutes while the treatment is being given. Occasionally, they may need to have a general anaesthetic so the treatment can be given.

Remember, radiotherapy will not make your child radioactive and it is safe for them to be with other people.

This information was written by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG)