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Your radiotherapy experience
Frequently asked questions
Here, you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions.
If you still can't find the answer that you're looking for, just contact us or contact one of our centres direct. We're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
General Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Cancer Partners UK based?
How can I get treatment at the Cancer Partners UK centre?
How can I use my private medical insurance to get treatment at Cancer Partners UK?
Can I pay to have treatment at Cancer Partners UK?
Who can be referred to a Cancer Partners UK centre?
Is there easy access to the centres and do I have to pay for parking?
About radiotherapy
What is Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)?
What is Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)?
Is radiotherapy an option for me?
About treatment
What are the side effects of the treatment?
How long does the treatment take?
How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
Can my friends and family come with me?
Is their any risk to my family while I'm having treatment?
Can I bring music to listen to?
Am I enclosed during treatment as I am claustrophobic?
Am I alone during my treatment?
General Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer Partners UK is an independent organisation set-up by cancer experts and healthcare managers who are committed to improving the overall quality and availability of cancer services across the UK, particularly in Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT).
Where are Cancer Partners UK based?
Cancer Partners UK private cancer treatment centres are based in Portsmouth, Little Aston, Elstree and Southampton. Our aim is to improve the overall quality and availability of radiotherapy across the UK.
How can I get treatment at the Cancer Partners UK centre?
Ask your oncologist if they will refer you to Cancer Partners UK. If you do not have a consultant, you can search for a consultant at a centre closest to you; Southampton, South Downs, Little Aston, Elstree Cancer Centre or ring your local centre for advice.
How can I use my private medical insurance to get treatment at Cancer Partners UK?
Cancer Partners UK is recognised by all of the key private medical insurance providers. Please indicate to your consultant that you wish to have your treatment at one of our centres and provide your insurance details. Treatment will then be authorised before your treatment commences on your behalf by our administrative staff. Read more about payments and charges.
Can I pay to have treatment at Cancer Partners UK?
Yes. Please contact the Cancer Partners UK centre where you wish to have your treatment and ask to speak to the Centre Manager. They will be able to guide you through the process and provide you with an estimate of costs. Read more about payments and charges.
Can I get help with travel?
Most patients are able to either drive themselves or seek assistance from friends or relatives to get to our centres for their out-patient radiotherapy. However, if transportation cannot be arranged for the duration of treatment please contact the Centre Manager at the centre and alternative arrangements will be put in place.
Who can be referred to a Cancer Partners UK centre?
Anyone can be referred if they need radiotherapy and have private medical insurance or wish to pay for their treatment. Please call your local centre for advice and read more about payments and charges.
Is there easy access to the centres and do I have to pay for parking?
There are free and designated car parking spaces at each centre close to the centre entrance for easy access.
About radiotherapy
What is radiotherapy?
What is Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)?
Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) takes detailed scans of the tumour immediately before and during treatment for extremely accurate and effective targeting of external beam radiotherapy.
What is Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)?
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) moulds the strength of the radiotherapy beam to match the size, shape and position of the tumour, maximising the effectiveness of treatment and minimising damage to healthy tissue.
Is radiotherapy an option for me?
NICE Guidelines state that 52% of cancer patients would benefit from radiotherapy. Please talk with your consultant to determine whether radiotherapy is suitable for your type of condition.
About treatment
What are the side effects of the treatment?
The side effects of radiotherapy are dependent on the area of the body receiving treatment. Speak to your consultant or call your local centre for more information.
Will the treatment hurt?
There is nothing to see or feel during the treatment. There is a buzzing noise from the machine however you may have music played to help you ignore the sound.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatments usually last around 8-15 minutes, the length of the treatment will depend on the body area to be treated and the complexity of the treatment. Speak to your consultant or call your local centre for more information.
How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
Treatment can cause specific side effects depending on the area of the body being treated. Treatment can also cause tiredness and this can mean that you will need to take more time to complete everyday tasks and you may need to take regular breaks. Cancer Partners UK wants you to continue your regular routines and life as normal so we strive to offer appointment times to suit your day to day needs. These can be altered at anytime during your treatment to suit you. Please talk to your local centre for more advice.
Can my friends and family come with me?
Your friends and family are more than welcome to attend with you. They will not be able to come into the room during your treatment but will be able to be with you during consultations if you so wish. If you have children we respectfully ask that a guardian attend to look after them during your treatment.
Can I keep my clothes on?
If you are wearing clothes which cover the area being treated, then these will need to be removed for the treatment.
Is their any risk to my family while I'm having treatment?
No, there is no risk to your family and friends and you are not "radioactive" after your treatment.
Can I bring music to listen to?
Music is provided in the treatment room, however you are more than welcome to bring your own MP3 player or CD of choice to be played.
Am I enclosed during treatment as I am claustrophobic?
No you are not completely enclosed during treatment. If you would like to see the machine, your local centre will talk you through the procedure and show you what the machine will do during your treatment.
Am I alone during my treatment?
You are alone during your treatment, however the radiographers can see and hear you at all times on CCTV cameras and an intercom.
