What should you know about linear radiotherapy?

A linear accelerator, often called a linac, produces high-energy radiation without placing a radioactive source inside your body. Before treatment, the team uses scans and planning measurements to shape the beam and choose angles that match the tumour or target area. You lie in a fixed position while the machine moves around you; it does not touch you. The treatment itself is usually brief, but positioning and safety checks take additional time.

Radiotherapy may be used to treat cancer, reduce the chance of cancer returning in a treated area, or ease symptoms caused by a tumour. Effects depend on the body region, dose plan and nearby organs. The treated area may feel normal during the session, while tiredness or skin changes can develop during or after a course.

Attend the planning visit, where you may have a scan and small positioning marks or an immobilisation device made. Wear comfortable clothing and follow the department's instructions about skin products, food, medicines and appointments. Tell the team about pregnancy, implanted devices, previous radiotherapy and any medicines or supplements. Keep the treatment area clean and avoid rubbing, heating or applying new products unless the team approves them.

Keep a record of symptoms between sessions. Ask how to protect the treated skin, whether activity should be adjusted, and which contact number to use outside clinic hours. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

Contact your radiotherapy team promptly if skin becomes increasingly sore, breaks down, blisters or leaks fluid; if swallowing, eating, passing urine or opening your bowels becomes difficult; or if fatigue stops you managing usual daily activities. Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, new confusion, a seizure, sudden weakness, uncontrolled bleeding or a high fever. The warning signs depend on the treated area, so ask for a personalised plan before the first session.

Which area will be treated, and what is the aim of radiotherapy? How will the team protect nearby organs? How many visits are planned, and what happens if I miss one? Which symptoms should I report the same day? Can I work, exercise, drive and use my usual skin products during treatment?