Nurse and patients talking about cancerWhat to ask your doctor about external radiotherapy

Some questions you might ask your doctor

  • How often will I need to visit the clinic for my treatment?
  • How long will the course of treatment last?
  • How long will each appointment take?
  • What equipment will be used?
  • How will you know exactly where to give the radiotherapy?
  • Will I have my first radiotherapy treatment on the same day as the planning session?
  • Will you need to mark the treatment area on my body?
  • Are the skin marks permanent?
  • What if the marks come off before my next session?
  • Will I need a radiotherapy mould?
  • Will I be on my own during my radiotherapy treatment?
  • What can I expect to see and hear?
  • What will I feel?
  • What if I have to move - to cough or scratch an itch or something?
  • Do you think I'll feel well enough to make my own way to the hospital?
  • Will I have to stay in hospital?
  • How can I get help with travel costs and transport?
  • Who can help me arrange the practical things?