What to expect from radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer

Radiotherapy is delivered by a machine aimed at the area containing the cancer. Before treatment starts, a planning appointment maps the tumour and nearby organs so the team can shape the radiation as precisely as possible. You may have a mould or positioning supports to help you lie in the same way at each visit.

Treatment may be recommended before surgery, with chemotherapy, or when surgery is not the chosen approach. The schedule depends on your treatment plan. Each visit is usually brief, although positioning and checks take additional time. The radiation itself cannot be felt, and the radiographers can see and hear you throughout the session.

Tiredness, skin irritation over the treated area, a sore throat or difficulty swallowing can develop during treatment or shortly afterwards. The team may adjust medicines, food textures or the treatment plan if symptoms become troublesome. Effects often change gradually, so report them early rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Keep every planning and treatment appointment, and tell the team about medicines, swallowing problems, weight changes or previous radiation. Eat and drink according to the advice from your oncology and dietitian team. Softer foods, nourishing drinks and smaller meals may be easier if swallowing is uncomfortable.

Rest when needed, but gentle movement can help you keep some energy. Protect treated skin from friction and heat, and use only products recommended by the radiotherapy team. Do not stop prescribed medicines or apply creams to the treatment area without checking first.

Contact your oncology team promptly if swallowing becomes much harder, you cannot keep fluids down, or pain prevents you from eating or drinking. Tell them about repeated vomiting, marked weakness, new breathing difficulty, fever, or skin that is blistered, broken or rapidly worsening.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, choking, confusion, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and dizziness. Your treatment centre can tell you which number to use outside clinic hours.

Ask what the aim of radiotherapy is in your plan, whether it will be combined with chemotherapy or surgery, how many visits are expected, and which symptoms should be reported the same day. You can also ask who to contact about nutrition, pain relief and work or travel during treatment.