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Radiotherapy otherwise known as radiation therapy is a common part of cancer treatment. Advances in both imaging technology and radiation delivery provide more a more specific attack on the cancer with less damage to surrounding tissue in the organs at risk. There are two types of radiotherapy: external and internal.
Depending on the type of cancer the following techniques may be used:
A treatment for head and neck cancers and for prostate cancer. When used for head and neck cancers, it minimizes damage to the salivary glands, upper aero-digestive tract mucosa, optic nerves, inner ear, swallowing muscles, brain stem, and spinal cord.
With highly “focused” radiation, it is critical to know the tumour's location, size, and shape accurately. Imaging techniques include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
This technique fits the shape of the radiation dose to the shape of the tumour.
Several linear accelerator systems are used for treating metastatic tumours in the head, and some cancers of the lung, kidneys, liver, spine, and prostate.
Charged particles, such as protons from an accelerator, deposit most of their energy in a small area called the Bragg peak at the end of their penetration range. This method is the closest to a “magic bullet” that can be aimed at just the cancer.
There are two forms of internal radiotherapy:
Putting solid radioactive material (the source) close to or inside the tumour for a limited period of time.
By using a radioactive liquid, which is given either as a drink or as an injection into a vein.
Rad Chat is the first therapeutic radiographer led oncology podcast, designed for cancer patients, healthcare professionals, academics and researchers. Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are both therapeutic radiographers who have unique backgrounds, bringing specialist knowledge and skills to the conversation. Their guests include cancer patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, and leaders within healthcare. This new podcast is designed to educate and inform healthcare professionals working in oncology, endorsed by CPD Now. Alongside every podcast are some CPD activities and reflective questions, with links to recording your CPD, resources and research.
Visit the Rad Chat website to listen to the latest podcast, or catch up on the episodes.
In April 2009, patients were given the legal right to choose from any hospital offering a suitable treatment that meets NHS standards and costs. This means that if you are diagnosed with cancer and need to go to hospital to see a specialist, you have the right to choose which hospital you're referred to by your GP.
Not everyone needs the same treatment, it depends on your diagnosis. You can choose a hospital according to what matters most to you, whether it's reputation, clinical performance and patients’ comments or location, waiting times or parking facilities.
There are many reasons why you might prefer one hospital to another for your radiotherapy treatment. Often, in a course of treatments, location can be a key factor, as you have to make regular visits over a period of time. However, the radiotherapy treatments available vary across the UK and Ireland, not all hospitals have invested in the latest technology.
Evidence shows that if you choose a hospital in which you feel confident and comfortable, you're likely to improve both the result of your treatment and your experience while you're in hospital.
There are no costs involved if you're an NHS patient. All the hospitals that you can choose from provide treatments to NHS patients free of charge, including the independent (private) ones.
If your GP or the person who has referred you decides that you have a medical need for transport, patient transport services should be provided. You may be entitled to help with your travel costs through the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme (HTCS) if you're under the care of a consultant and receive either Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or if you're named on an NHS tax exemption certificate or qualify under the NHS low-income scheme.
If your GP wants to refer you to a specialist, you can take away information, do your own research as to where you would like to be treated and decide later. In most circumstances, this is the most sensible option.
You can choose your hospital according to what's most important to you. It will more than likely depend on the type of specialist you need to see. The choice you make may be based on a wide range of factors, such as reputation, clinical performance, waiting times, cleanliness, travel etc.
The hospital at which you choose to see a specialist will probably also be the one where you receive treatment, should you need it. Therefore, when you choose where to see a specialist, always assume that treatment will be necessary, even if this seems unlikely or uncertain when your GP first refers you.
If you're not happy with your chosen hospital after seeing a specialist, tell your GP. They can make you an appointment at another hospital. However, this may delay any treatment you need, so think carefully before deciding to go to another hospital.
A choice of hospital is available for most patients and in most circumstances. There are exceptions. For instance, if you need to be seen urgently by a specialist (for example, if you have severe chest pain), your GP will send you where you'll be seen most quickly.
You don't have to make the decision yourself. If you prefer, your GP can choose for you.
4D adaptive radiotherapyA treatment which can be altered on a day to day basis to take account of movements of the tumour in three dimensions i.e. Anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, lateral, medial, and with time. Adjuvant therapyA term used to refer to additional treatment usually given after surgery where all detectable disease has been removed, but where there remains a statistical risk of relapse due to occult disease. AlgorithmA set of precise rules that specify how to solve some problem or perform some task, commonly used in computing. Anatomical imagingMethods employed to visualise of the structure of a body. Auto-segmentationUse of algorithms to provide three-dimensional visualisation of critical structures and pathology in a matter of minutes. BeamletA beamlet is a single “element” of a beam, which in turn is one of hundreds of beams within a typical helical TomoTherapy delivery. A single beamlet corresponds to the radiation emitted through a single open MLC leaf, with the gantry at any given angle during rotation. BrachytherapyA procedure in which radioactive material is placed directly into or near the cancer. The radiation is sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters. Bragg PeakThe point at which protons deposit most of their energy. Clinical Target Volume (CTV)A clinically defined target volume that contains the demonstrable tumour (gross tumour volume or GTV) unless it has been surgically excised and microscopic invisible tumour. This volume contains cancer cells and must be treated with the prescribed radiation dose adequately to achieve a cure. CollimationThe process of shaping a therapeutic beam by using materials that are opaque to it. These materials are placed in front of part of the beam to define the shape of the beam. CollimatorThe device used for collimation. TomoTherapy treatment systems have two collimating devices: the primary collimator, or jaws; and the multileaf collimator (MLC). Computed tomographyAn x-ray technique using a scanner which takes a series of images across the body which can be viewed in two or three-dimensional form. Cone Beam CTA diagnostic energy X-ray machine is mounted with the linear accelerator and by rotation acquires a three-dimensional image of the tumour with the patient in the treatment position. Conformal radiotherapy (CRT)Treatment delivery techniques which aim to shape the 3D high dose volume to the planning target volume whilst minimising dose to healthy tissue. ContourExternal shape of a part of a body or imaged organ. Couch IndexingA system of graduated measurements on a couch top that can be used to ensure reproducibility of patient positioning from day to day. A universal system of couch indexing would reduce errors as the patient moves from one machine to another. CTrueThe TomoTherapy treatment system’s integrated, true CT imaging technology, which can be used for every patient, every day for patient positioning, image-guided radiation therapy, dose targeting and adaptive radiotherapy. CyclotronIs a type of particle accelerator. A cyclotron accelerates charged particles outwards from the centre along a spiral path. DICOMDigital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. An international communications standard developed by NEMA that defines the format used to transfer medical image-related data between different pieces of medical equipment. Digital subtractionA method used to obtain information by subtraction of two images from each other. Digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR)A planar radiograph made by computer-projected rays through 3D CT density information. Dose ReconstructionCalculating the dose deposited on the patient by using delivery verification and a CT obtained at the time of treatment (fraction CT). Dose escalationIncreasing the total radiotherapy dose. Dose guided radiotherapy (DGRT)The dose delivered from each treatment session is calculated and adjusted to match the predicted dose. Dose volume histogram (DVH)Histogram showing the dose distribution within an outlined structure. It is usually presented as a cumulative plot i.e. volume of organ plotted against dose. DosimetristSpecialist radiotherapy staff usually employed as clinical technologists. Their work includes patient immobilisation, treatment planning, in vivo dosimetry, general dosimetry, etc. |
Electronic portal imaging devices (EPID)An electronic system for acquiring verification images of the geometry of treatment during radiotherapy delivery. Fan BeamA narrow, slit-shaped divergent beam. The TomoTherapy Hi·Art treatment system delivers therapeutic radiotherapy in the shape of a fan beam. Fiducial markersSmall radio-opaque markers which can be inserted directly into a tumour and then visualised by imaging and used to ensure accuracy of positioning from day to day. Film dosimetryDose measurement by using radiographic film. FractionationThe schedule of treatment sessions required for a course of radiotherapy treatment. Functional imagingImaging of the physiology of a body to detect disease. Gross Tumour Volume (GTV)The palpable or visible/demonstrable extent and location of the malignant growth. Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT)Imaging used to guide the radiotherapy for each treatment session. Image registrationThe process of establishing point-by-point correspondence between two images. Method of aligning two 3D image sets, e.g. CT, MRI, PET etc. Image sets may be overlaid or structures may be mapped between the sets. ImmobilisationEquipment or techniques designed to reduce patient movement. In vivo dosimetry (IVD)Refers to measuring the dose received by the patient during treatment. IndexingAll couches used for treatment planning and delivery are marked with the same scale so that consistency of position can be easily achieved. Immobilisation systems should ideally attach to the couch top in a unique position. Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)Treatment delivery technique that modulates the intensities of the beams, as well as geometrically shaping them. IMRT provides improved dose deposition avoiding critical structures, delivering complex dose distributions designed using forward or inverse planning. IntrafractionalOccurring as the radiotherapy is delivered. Irradiated Target Volume (ITV)The volume that is actually treated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)An imaging technique based on the differences in magnetic properties of protons within living cells. It provides superior soft tissue definition of many tumours compared with CT. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)A technique that potentially provides excellent spatial information about the functionally active parts of tumours. Molecular markersMarkers on the genetic chromosome. Monte CarloAlgorithm used in radiotherapy treatment planning systems. Multileaf collimator (MLC)A collimation system on a linear accelerator which uses a number of “leaves” to create an irregularly shaped radiation beam. It is used to shape the beam to the target volume geometrically (CRT) and is also used to modulate the intensity of the beam (IMRT). On-treatment verificationVerifying the radiotherapy in real-time as or before the treatment is delivered. Optical imaging systemsUse of non-ionising light in the visible spectrum to image patient surfaces. Optimized Treatment PlanningA process in which the appropriate beam pattern, position, and intensity are calculated based on the prescription for how much radiation the tumour should receive, as well as acceptable levels for surrounding structures. Organs at risk (OAR)As is the case with the planning target volume (PTV), the organs at risk during treatment may also move and an integrated margin must be added to the organs at risk volume to compensate for these variations and uncertainties using the same principles as for the PTV. Patient immobilisation techniquesThe methods used for immobilising and positioning patients during radiotherapy treatment in order to reduce the risk of movement of the tumour out of the high dose region, either during treatment or between treatment fractions. |
PhantomsQuality control device used in verifying radiotherapy doses within patients Planned target volume (PTV)Geometrical concept defined to ensure that appropriate beam sizes and arrangements are chosen so that the prescribed dose is actually absorbed in the CTV taking into consideration the net effect of Portal dosimetryThe calculation of the radiation dose distribution within an area of the body determined from portal images. Positron emission tomographyImaging using a radionuclide which is a positron emitter. It provides functional information about the tumour and its site and size. ProtonsPositive charged particles in an atom. Used in radiotherapy to treat tumours by making use of the Bragg peak, the point at which protons deposit most of their energy. This point occurs at the ends of the protons’ paths. By varying the beam's energy, radiation oncologists can spread this Radio-opaqueNot transparent to X-rays or other forms of radiation. RadiopharmaceuticalRadioactively-tagged compound necessary to produce a nuclear medicine image. RadiosensitisersSubstance given to increase the radio-sensitivity of a cell or tissue. RadiosurgerySurgical technique involving the use of narrow beams of radiation that are precisely targeted by stereotactic methods to destroy tumours or lesions especially of the brain. RadiotherapyThe medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells. Also known as radiation therapy or radiation oncology. Respiratory gatingA system where delivery of radiotherapy to the patient can be limited to a particular phase of the respiratory cycle. This is used to minimise the effects of movement during breathing. Robot-mounted linear acceleratorsA robotic image guidance radiotherapy system that tracks patient and lesion positions during the entire treatment process. The system continuously scans and detects any patient or lesion SpirometryAn instrument for measuring the volume of air entering and leaving the lungs. Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SBRT)Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) gives radiotherapy from many different angles around the body. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), the word "stereotactic" refers to a three-dimensional coordinate system that enables accurate correlation of a virtual target seen in the patient's diagnostic images with the actual target position in the patient. Stereotactic radiosurgery may also be called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) when used outside the central nervous system (CNS). Stereotactic systemType of imaging-guided system where the position of a point in space is identified and related to an external coordinate reference system, directing a radiation beam in three dimensions to reach a specific, localised area of the body. Surface registrationAn optical imaging device can be used to acquire a picture of the surface of the body during the planning process. When the patient is set up for treatment delivery, this image can be laid onto the skin and any discrepancies of position corrected. T1/T2 weighted imagesSignal intensities in MR images that relate specific tissue characteristics. Target volumeThe volume of tissue at which treatment is aimed. Therapeutic ratioThe ratio of the maximally tolerated dose of radiation to the minimally curative or effective dose. TomographyThe procedure used to obtain a set of slice images of the patient. TomotherapyRadiotherapy is delivered using thin slices of radiation rotated around the patient. Total body irradiation (TBI)Total body irradiation (TBI) is a form of radiotherapy used for patients about to undergo a bone marrow or stem cell transplant to destroy any undetectable cancer cells. Fractions of radiation are given to the whole body to destroy the cells of the bone marrow. Treatment planningThe process whereby the therapeutic strategy of the clinical oncologist is realised as a set of treatment instructions together with a physical description of the distribution of the prescribed dose in the patient. Treatment planning system (TPS)The hardware and software used for simulating the irradiation geometry to be used for patient treatment and for calculating the distribution of dose within the patient. Ultrasound imagingVisualisation of internal body structures by transmitting and receiving sound waves. |
ACORRN Academic Clinical Oncology and Radiobiology Research Network BIR CRT CT CTV DGRT DH DICOM DVH EPID FDG GTV |
ICRU International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements IGRT IMRT IPEM ITV MLC MRI MRS NCRN NHS NRAG OAR |
PET Positron emission tomography PTV RCR RES SABR SCOR SBRT SRS TBI TMI TPS |
Find out more about a variety of radiotherapy treatment techniques.
4D radiotherapy takes into account tumour volume and regions at risk in three dimensions and changes with time (4th dimension). Image acquisition during initial planning imaging using CT/MR/PET accounting for time over periods of motion along with eventual treatment sessions (image guided radiotherapy, IGRT) may help to reduce uncertainties about changes in tumour geometry. Adaptive therapy allows the treatment set-up and dose delivered to be changed as necessary during a course of treatment.
Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is likely to be used in conjunction with 4D adaptive radiotherapy and may use techniques such as gating to ensure accurate targeting.
IMRT involves changing the size, shape, and intensity of the radiation beam to conform to the size, shape, and location of the patient’s tumour. The TomoTherapy radiotherapy treatment systems use a patented multi-leaf collimator to shape the radiotherapy area so that it precisely conforms to the shape of the tumour and it varies the intensity of the radiation beam during each treatment. See products for Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
IMRT focuses a higher radiation dose on the tumour but gives a much smaller dose to surrounding normal tissues than standard radiotherapy. So, side effects may be lower than with standard radiotherapy treatment.
IGRT is radiotherapy guided by imaging technology such as CT scans, MRI’s, or PET scans.
In TomoTherapy. clinicians use the system’s CTrue scans to verify the patient’s position, anatomy and tumour site at the time of treatment, helping ensure the accuracy of each treatment procedure.
The TomoTherapy treatment machine combines a CT scanner and an external beam radiotherapy machine. Part of the TomoTherapy machine rotates completely around the patient to take CT scans and give radiotherapy to a very localised area.
The machine takes pictures of the tumour just before each treatment session to allow the doctors to target the treatment very precisely. This reduces the damage to normal body tissues in the area. This treatment is also called helical tomotherapy.
SBRT and SABR are a type of specialised technique called stereotactic radiotherapy. This is the delivery of radiotherapy in highly focussed, concentrated doses of radiation, delivered over 1 – 5 fractions compared to the more conventional 20 to 35 fractions delivered every day for a number of weeks.
SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy) typically delivers 3-5 fractions to organs outside of the brain, such as the lungs, spine, liver and pancreas.
SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) delivers 1 – 5 fractions typically every other day, depending on the exact tumour site and size. It has potential for treatment of sites such as the bones, lungs, liver and brain for oligometastatic lesions i.e. malignant tumours where the primary tumour is under control and not progressing, but where there are remote areas of tumour spread, but that are well localised and only few in number.
Stereotactic radiosurgery gives one high dose of radiotherapy from many different angles precisely targeted at the tumour.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is used for small tumours with well-defined edges. It is a type of image guided radiotherapy. This type of radiotherapy is mostly used to treat brain tumours, such as acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, hemangioblastomas or secondary brain tumours. It is also used for spinal cord tumours. Stereotactic radiosurgery gives a high dose of radiotherapy without harming surrounding normal tissues.
There is a large number of charities and associations offering advice and support for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. Below, Oncology Systems Limited has supplied links to a range of charities, including some regional and cancer site-specific.
Action Radiotherapy
A UK cancer charity supporting radiotherapy research and clinical practice.
ACLT
ACLT is a 30+ times award-winning charity committed to providing hope to patients living with blood cancer and illnesses where a matched donor (stem cell, blood or organ) is required to save a life. Our work is driven by a belief that no one should die waiting for a donor to become available.
Against Breast Cancer
Against Breast Cancer funds pioneering research into new treatments, tools for earlier diagnosis and advice to reduce the risk of recurrence and secondary spread. Working with expert scientists we want to increase the survival rates of all breast cancer patients and ultimately, discover a vaccine against breast cancer.
Anthony Nolan Trust
A national charity that finds matches for people with blood cancer and blood disorders who desperately need lifesaving transplants.
Asian Women Cancer Group
Supports Asian women affected by cancer.
Asian Women Cancer Group website
Bloodwise
Bloodwise is the UK’s leading blood cancer research charity and funds research into all types of blood cancer.
Bob Champion Cancer Trust
Founded in 1983, the Trust supports research and patient care relating to young men with testicular cancer, and also to prostate and bladder cancer.
The Bob Champion Cancer Trust website
Bone Cancer Research Trust
The Bone Cancer Research Trust is a charity that offers hope to people affected by primary bone cancer.
Bone Cancer Research Trust website
Bowel Cancer UK
The UK’s leading bowel cancer charity
Brain Tumour Action
Brain Tumour Action promotes a range of services and activities and aims to support people affected by brain tumours, whether directly or indirectly, and to improve treatments through training and research.
Brain Tumour Charity
The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives and driving urgent change.
Breast Cancer Now
The UK’s largest breast cancer research charity dedicated to funding research that is entirely focused on breast cancer. The charity also provides life-changing support and campaigns for better services and care.
Breast Cancer Haven
A national charity offering free emotional, physical and practical support to anyone affected by breast cancer, from its centres across the country.
British Liver Trust
A charity with dedicated resources for people with liver disease, including liver cancer.
Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust
A group supporting patients with Thyroid Cancer.
Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust website
Cancer52
Cancer52 represents nearly 100 predominantly small patient support group cancer charities united by their vision of seeing a better future for everyone affected by the rare and less common cancers, which account for more than half of all cancer deaths in the UK.
Cancer Black Care
Cancer Black Care (CBC) provides a comprehensive support service to all members of the community, who are affected by cancer, and offers a safe confidential, neutral place, where service users, carers and families and friends can meet to support each other’s cultural and emotional needs.
Cancer Laryngectomee Trust
A charity that offers assistance to people in the UK who have had a laryngectomy.
Cancer Laryngectomee Trust website
Cancer Research UK
The UK’s leading charity dedicated to cancer research. Its website has a wealth of information about cancer, its research, how to donate and ways to support Cancer Research UK.
Cancer Support Scotland
Provides emotional and practical support on a one-to-one basis and through community-based groups to anyone affected by cancer, including family, friends and carers.
Cancer Support Scotland website
Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer.
Childhood Eye Cancer Trust website
CLIC Sargent
A charity providing services for children and young people with cancer. It provides professional help, and practical care to children (under 21 years of age) diagnosed with cancer, and to their families.
CML Support Group
The UK’s only charity with an exclusive focus on people diagnosed with Ph+ Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia.
CoppaFeel!
Breast cancer awareness charity educates young people on the importance of checking their boobs regularly and knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Eve Appeal
A UK national charity raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal.
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity
Dedicated to supporting people whose lives are touched by cancer. Offers cancer support centres and cancer research teams who undertake studies into the disease and offer clinical trials.
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity website
Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline
A national helpline providing information and help to women concerned about a family history of breast cancer.
Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline website
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website
June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund
The UK’s first and largest independent mesothelioma charity.
June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund website
Kidney Cancer UK
Aims to provide UK kidney cancer patients and their carers with improved access to reliable information about kidney cancer and its treatment, and to establish a network of individuals and groups.
Kids Cancer Charity
The Kids Cancer Charity is a national charity that was set up in 1989 to support children with cancer and their families.
Let’s Face It
An international support network for people with facial disfigurement, their families, friends and professionals.
Lynch Syndrome UK
A charity that offers support and information to people and their families affected by Lynch Syndrome,
Macmillan Cancer Support
UK-wide charity working to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support and pushes for better cancer care.
Macmillan Cancer Support website
Marie Curie
Provides free high-quality nursing, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families. The charity has 9 hospices across the UK.
Mesothelioma UK
Provides impartial, up to date information relating to malignant mesothelioma for patients and their carers.
Mouth Cancer Foundation
Dedicated to the relief of sickness and the promotion and protection of good health among those suffering or at risk of mouth, throat and other head & neck cancers.
Mouth Cancer Foundation website
Mulberry Centre
Provides support and information for anyone affected by cancer, offering practical ways of enhancing physical, psychological and emotional well-being.
Myeloma UK
Provides information and support to people with myeloma and their families.
NET Patient Foundation
NET Patient Foundation (NPF) is the only charity in the UK and Ireland solely dedicated to providing support and information to people affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer. Their purpose is to support and inform patients and families from diagnosis, enabling access to the best care and treatment, whilst stimulating NET research, increasing national awareness and influencing improvements in outcomes.
Ochre
Formed to promote awareness of oesophageal cancer. It also intends to encourage research into the cause of oesophageal cancer and to develop information and support services for patients and their families.
OPA – The Oesophageal Patients Association
Providing information for patients, carers and their families affected by oesophageal or gastric cancers.
Orchid
Orchid exists to save men’s lives from male cancer through a range of support services, education and awareness campaigns and a pioneering research programme.
Ovacome
Ovacome is the national UK ovarian cancer charity focused on providing support to anyone affected by ovarian cancer including women who have either been diagnosed with the disease or think that they might be at risk, as well as their friends and family and healthcare professionals.
Ovarian Cancer Action
Aims to improve the survival of women with ovarian cancer by raising awareness of symptoms and risk factors, funding research and giving women a voice.
Pancreatic Cancer Action
Aiming to improve early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and improve the quality of life for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Action website
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Provides expert, personalised support and information via their Support Line and through a range of publications, funds innovative research, and campaigns for change.
Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK aims to improve the care and welfare of those affected by prostate cancer, increase investment in research, and raise public and political awareness of a long-neglected disease.
Prostate Cancer Research Centre
The Prostate Cancer Research Centre is the only charity solely focused on funding world-class scientists developing new treatments for advanced prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Research Centre website
Prostate Matters
Prostate Matters is a not for profit organisation that is committed to providing free information about prostate disease from world-leading authorities.
Prostate Scotland
A Scottish charity set up to provide information, advice and help on prostate health and diseases test and treatments.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
The Foundation funds research into early diagnosis of the disease, provides support to patients and their families, as well as helping people quit smoking and providing anti-smoking education for children and young people.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website
Sail 4 Cancer
Sail 4 Cancer is primarily a provider of water-based respite days and holidays for families affected by cancer. The charity also makes grants to cancer care centres and supports research into the positive effects of exercise (e.g. sailing) and how it can help prevent cancer and aid recovery post diagnosis.
Sarcoma UK
Provides information about sarcoma and its treatments, offers email support, in some cases can arrange patient-to-patient contact.
Target Ovarian Cancer
Target Ovarian Cancer is the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity working to improve early diagnosis, funds life-saving research and provides much-needed support to women with ovarian cancer.
Teenage Cancer Trust
Funds and organises support and information for young people with cancer, their families, schools and health professionals. Establishes purpose-built Teenage Cancer Trust units and campaigns for better services for young people with cancer.
Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer
TYAC is the UK’s professional association for those involved in the treatment, care and support of teenagers and young adults with cancer. By providing information on best practice and new developments, training and support to our members, and through funding and supporting research into teenage and young adult cancer, they aim to improve the quality of life and likelihood of survival for young people with cancer.
Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer website
Trekstock
Trekstock delivers practical and social support programmes tailored to the needs of young adults, to give them a better chance of living well through and beyond cancer.
Urostomy Association
Assists people who have, or about to have, a urinary diversion of any kind.
Vulva Awareness Campaign Organisation
A support group for those who have been affected by vulva cancer.
Vulva Awareness Campaign Organisation website
We Hear You (WHY)
We Hear You (WHY) provides a free professional counselling service for anyone affected by a diagnosis of cancer or another life-threatening condition. This includes family, friends, colleagues and carers as well as patients.
Wessex Cancer Trust
Provides health and well-being information, exercise programmes and courses to the local community.
Radiotherapy UK is the only charity dedicated to improving radiotherapy treatment throughout the UK. We believe that everyone in the country – no matter who they are or where they live – should have access to the best radiotherapy treatment available.
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jv_store_AaMRGH5zCv_app_AaMRGH5zCv | 12 hours | No description |
jv_store_AaMRGH5zCv_client_AaMRGH5zCv | 12 hours | No description |
jv_store_AaMRGH5zCv_position_AaMRGH5zCv | 12 hours | No description |
xtc | 1 year 1 month | No description |