What should you know about TrueBeam radiotherapy?

Your radiation oncologist defines the target using scans and creates a plan that accounts for nearby organs. During each visit, therapists position you on a couch and may use imaging to check alignment before radiation is delivered.

The machine can rotate around you and adjust the beam as planned. You remain awake and can speak with the team through an intercom. The treatment does not make you radioactive, although tiredness or effects in the treated body area may develop during or after a course.

Attend the planning appointment and follow any instructions about bladder fullness, eating, drinking or skin care. Wear easy-to-move-in clothing, keep the treatment area clean as directed, and tell staff about new symptoms, medicines, pregnancy or implanted medical devices.

Radiotherapy may be part of care for conditions such as breast, cervical, bowel, brain, skin, head and neck, or womb cancer. The reason for treatment may be to control a tumour, reduce symptoms or support another treatment; your team will explain the aim in your case.

Tell your team about severe or rapidly worsening pain, skin breakdown, inability to keep fluids down, repeated diarrhoea, new swallowing difficulty or marked weakness. Get urgent help for sudden confusion, a seizure, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or sudden neurological changes.

Ask what the treatment is intended to achieve, which organs are protected, how long each visit may take, what side effects are expected in the treated area, and who to call outside appointment hours. Ask whether other treatment will happen before, during or after radiotherapy.