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Late Effects Service

Macmillan Radiotherapy Late Effects Service

Hazel Clarke


Welcome

The Macmillan Radiotherapy Late Effects Service is aimed at providing physical and emotional support to people living with long term effects because of their radiotherapy treatment. Late effects following radiotherapy treatment for cancer can show themselves in many ways depending on the type of treatment you received, and the area of your body treated. These effects can develop from 3 months or many years after radiotherapy treatment has been given. If your radiotherapy treatment was many years ago and not at the RUH, we will still see you if your symptoms could be a result of your previous radiotherapy treatment.

Our Service

Our service is for people who have finished all their cancer treatment (excluding long-term hormones). If you are still undergoing cancer treatment or are under the guidance of palliative care, please contact Macmillan Cancer Support or Supportive and Palliative Care services (links at the bottom of this page*).

What are Radiotherapy Late Effects?

Below we have listed some of the possible late effect from having radiotherapy treatment however this list does not cover everything.  If you feel you have a health issue that may be a result of your previous radiotherapy treatment, please get in touch and we may be able to help you, or sign post you to the right services.


General Radiotherapy Late Effects
  • Fatigue, tiredness
  • Emotional and psychological issues
  • General pain in treated area
  • Lymphoedema/fluid retention in or around the treated area
  • Skin
  • Sexual care/Sexual function issues

Pelvic Radiotherapy
  • Bowel urgency/diarrhoea/constipation
  • Bladder urgency/flow/pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Sexual issues

Head and Neck Radiotherapy
  • Hearing/sight loss
  • Speech/swallowing/dry mouth
  • Bone/dental Issues

Breast/Chest wall Radiotherapy
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling
  • Hormonal issues

Chest Radiotherapy
  • Heart Issues
  • Breathing problems/pain/shortness of breath

Brain Radiotherapy
  • Forgetfulness/brain fog/confusion
  • Hormone problems
  • Endocrine problems

Limb Radiotherapy
  • Pain
  • Skin issues
  • Movement and joint problems

 

How can we help you?

The Radiotherapy Late Effects Service aims to identify these late effects and offer a range of strategies to reduce the effect they have on you. These may include information and self-management, care plans, medication and referral to other health care professionals.

Contact Us

Tel: 01225 824853


Please include your name, hospital number and a current contact number with your message and someone from the Radiotherapy Late Effects Service will be in touch.

 

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