Patients having radiotherapy for breast cancer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre can find out more about treatment in our new video explaining what to expect.
The project came about after Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Shaveta Mehta came up with the idea of producing a video guide to help patients understand what happens before, during and after radiotherapy for breast cancer. It was supported by the Trust's Innovation Team and funded by Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
The video guides patients through the whole process from how treatment decisions are made, the initial consultation, how we develop their personal treatment plan, coming for treatment, possible side-effects and follow-up care after radiotherapy.
Filmed in one of our three Clatterbridge radiotherapy centres, it features our expert staff explaining what happens every step of the way. It shows patients what the radiotherapy treatment machines – known as linear accelerators (or ‘linacs’) – look like and how their clinical team will support them.
Viewers will also hear real patients talking about their experiences of having radiotherapy for breast cancer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Shaveta Mehta said:
Radiotherapy is something that most people aren’t familiar with before they come for treatment. As a result, patients can feel anxious about what to expect. That’s why we’ve created this video guide showing exactly what happens every step of the way.
We hope it will reassure anyone who has been referred for radiotherapy by explaining what to expect, showing what the treatment machines are like and sharing words of encouragement from other patients who have been through the same treatment.
Other Clatterbridge staff who had a key role in producing the video include Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Farida Alam and Consultant Radiographer Dawn Ledsom.
Ian Ogilvie, Trusts and Legacy Manager for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:
Clatterbridge Cancer Charity aims to enhance the experience of patients, and this video is a great example of how innovative ideas can do just that. We are so grateful for the generosity of our supporters who allow us to continue to fund projects like this that help patients feel informed and reassured about their treatment.
Innovation Manager Simon Bunting said:
This video is a testament to our workforce’s dedication to enhancing patient care through innovative ideas and was another idea that came through the Trust’s staff innovation submission route. We believe it will make a significant difference in helping patients feel more comfortable and informed about their treatment.
For more information about Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and how you can support them, visit the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity website.
