Do you need a referral for palliative radiotherapy?

An oncologist, surgeon, palliative care clinician or another treating doctor can usually initiate the referral. Because symptoms may change quickly, tell the referring team how severe they are and whether they are affecting movement, sleep, breathing or other daily functions.

Palliative radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to reduce symptoms caused by cancer, such as pain, bleeding or pressure on nearby structures. The radiation oncologist considers the symptom's cause and location, recent imaging, previous radiotherapy, current cancer treatment and general health. Referral begins this assessment; it does not establish the final treatment area or schedule.

Ask the referring clinician to identify the symptom needing relief and send imaging, pathology details, previous radiation records and your current medicines. Confirm that the radiation centre has received the referral and knows how to reach you. At consultation, describe where the symptom occurs, what makes it worse and which medicines or other measures you already use.

Do not wait for a routine radiotherapy appointment if you develop new limb weakness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the buttocks or genitals, major breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, a seizure or sudden confusion. Contact the oncology team urgently or use emergency services. These changes need immediate assessment before any treatment pathway is decided.

Ask which symptom the radiotherapy is intended to relieve, when a benefit might become noticeable and what other symptom treatments should continue. Discuss preparation, positioning, possible effects near the treated area and who will monitor you afterward. Mention any previous radiation, pregnancy possibility, implanted device or difficulty lying still so the team can plan safely.