Patient information on radiotherapy

This website provides a brief introduction into services in both imaging and radiotherapy departmentsand links to an overview of radiotherapywhich gives information about the role of radiotherapy. It also provides links to other organisations' websites which provide more detailed information about radiotherapy such as Macmillan Cancer Supportand CancerHelp UK.

SCoR Guidance on managing radiotherapy induced skin reactions

The Society and College of Radiographers has updated its guidelines on skin care advice for patients undergoing radiotherapy.

This work followed an extensive literature review and survey into current practice and the evidence base of skin care provided.

The SCoR has been unable to find sufficient evidence to support or refute any products currently being used preventatively or for the treatment of erythema or dry desquamation.

Similarly, the evidence base on product usage for the treatment of moist desquamation is lacking. However, it is recognised that wound care advice would be helpful at this stage.

As such, the SCoR is working in partnership with Ellen Trueman, a Radiotherapy Sister at the St James’s Institute of Oncology and United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) board member, to facilitate acceptable and appropriate wound care management for radiotherapy induced skin reactions.

Ellen and her team have produced a multi-professional toolkit which is a practical aid to inform and guide clinical practice and is not a prescriptive document. Neither Ellen or the SCoR are able to endorse any particular product but the toolkit does offer suggestions of possible appropriate dressings for moist desquamation based on the principles of preventing further trauma, and promotion of patient comfort and quality of life. Please note Ellen’s work references the old SCoR guidelines which have now been superseded.

The SCoR recommends that urgent evidence based investigation into skin care products at all stages of radiation reaction is urgently required.
Pleaseclick hereto download the toolkit.

Resources for professionals

The following organisations offer a range of services and resources to support patients who are managing the consequences of their radiotherapy:

The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI)

Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA)

Breast Radiotherapy Injury Rehabilitation Service (BRIRS)

Health and Care Professions Council

TheHealth and Care Professions Councilis a regulator, set up to protect the public. It keeps a register of health professionals who meet its standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health. It currently regulates 15 health professions, including radiographers. All of these professions have at least one professional title that is protected by law.
This means, for example, that anyone using these titles must be registered with the HCPC. It is a criminal offence for someone to claim that they are registered with the HCPC when they are not, or to use a protected title that they are not entitled to use. The HCPC prosecutes people who commit these crimes.
The College of Radiographers works in partnership with clinical and academic departments, external organisations and individuals to ensure that all UK programmes of education and training related to the clinical imaging and oncology radiographic workforce, maintain, and continue to develop the highest standards of clinical imaging and oncology practice and conduct. Full details are on the education accreditation section on their website.