Please check the links below to navigate the site
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any - then please email us
Q - Where can I go to seek advice and support
A - The new Cancer Information Centre supported by Macmillan and BCUSG is now fully operational. Please click on the following link to visit their page on this site:- Cancer Information Centre
Q - What does radiotherapy actually do?
A - It is an effective form of treatment for many types of cancer. It can be given "actively" to try and cure the cancer by destroying the tumour cells, or "palliatively" to alleviate systems such as breathlessness.
Q - What are the nurses that administer the radiotherapy treatment known as?
A - "Treating Radiographers" and all have received specialist training. They are also an excellent source of information and advice - be sure to ask if you have a query
Q - What happens when I have completed my course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment?
A - Invariably you will be referred to a specialist nurse for further support and advice
Click here to return to top of page
Q - What is a Linear Accelerator?
A - It is a machine that gives the x-rays and it is controlled by "treating radiographers"
Q - What is Hodgkin's Disease?
A - It is one type of Lymphoma (the other being Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma), which is the name given to cancer of the Lymphatic System. The lymphatic system is part of the body's defence against infection, i.e. the 'immune system'.
Lymphoid cells group or gather together in nodes or glands and can be found in various parts of the body, (eg the neck, armpits and groin) and wherever there is lymphoid tissue, it is possible to develop lymphoma.
Diagnosis is commonly made by means of a biopsy, a scan and/or a bone marrow test if a lump is found in one of the lymph node areas described or if other symptoms are suspected. The stage of the disease (ie how far it has spread through the body) needs to be established, in order to determine the most effective treatment to be prescribed.
Hodgkin's disease is commonly treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of both. Which ever course of treatment is determined, it is usually successful with the majority of patients being completely cured.
Click here to return to top of page
Q - I have heard the term Cold Capping expressed when used to save Hair Loss, could you explain further?
A - Another name for this form of treatment is Scalp Cooling. Some chemotherapy drugs sometimes result in partial hair loss and this is a process that, depending on the type of drug being used, may, in some cases prevent significant hair loss and preserve an outwardly normal head of hair.
The procedure is undertaken, whilst actually receiving the chemotherapy drug and involves the use of several Velcro studded 'caps', that have been 'cooled' and which are applied over approximately a two to four hour period.
N.B. For further details and advice, why not purchase our fund raising 'Living With Hair Loss' video and actually see the process being undertaken, you will also being assisting in our fund raising!
The scalp cooling process works by slowing down the absorption rate of the drug to the scalp hair follicles, thus minimising the damage and thereby reducing the risk of losing the hair.
It must be emphasised that the use of 'Cold Capping, does not save hair, an awful lot depends on the type of drug treatment undertaken. Some patients can be over optimistic and so one is strongly advised to follow the advice of your Oncologist
A - No it is painless, it is the side effects that can cause discomfort, which is normally limited to the area of the body treated
Click here to return to top of page
Q - I understand that one of the side effects is Hair Loss.
A - Where Hair Loss is concerned, Radiotherapy differs from Chemotherapy in that it causes hair loss where the beam is directed on the patients body. This is unlike chemotherapy patients who can experience total hair loss, which sometimes includes the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes.
If a patient (female or male) is undergoing any one of the treatments described, it is important that carers, supporters and family be fully aware of what the loss of hair can do to a patients self esteem.
Losing their hair, can and does lower their moral and in many cases, patients have been reluctant to be seen without any head covering. Where possible these fears must be discussed with them and allayed, with everyone respecting their loved ones wishes for privacy, until such time as they can face being seen.
Please consider the purchase of our fund raising video 'Living with Hair Loss' which advises and shows the use and ideas of head coverings, such as wigs, turbans, hats and headscarves. All the proceeds from its sales go to the Unit.
Q - Does it make you radioactive?
A - No, the sort used in the treatment, is of a different type
Q - Is my consent required before it is given?
A - Yes, as in all treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy
Q - What is a "clinical oncologist"?
A - She/he is a cancer doctor that specialises in radiotherapy whilst a doctor that specialises in chemotherapy is known as a "medical oncologist"
Click here to return to top of page
Q - Are there any web sites that could help me with my concern about cancer?
A - Yes there are a number but the following might be useful:-
www.cancerbacup.org.uk - Europe's leading cancer information service, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.
www.prostate-cancer.org.uk - Prostate cancer - for so long a neglected health issue - neither understood by the public nor prioritised by politicians. It was against this background that The Prostate Cancer Charity was set up in 1996
www. RTSupportDoc.com - a web site dedicated to helping people undergoing radiation therapy. On these pages, you'll learn more about cancer, radiation therapy, and Dr Carol Kornmehl.
Click here to return to top of page
By post: enclosing your cheque made payable to Bath Cancer Unit Support Group,
John Carter
17 Clan House
Sydney Road
Bath
BA2 6NS
Donations can also be made
using our print out form which will add the value of 28pence for every
£1 for Giftaid .
Please click here
for print out form.
On-Line: please visit our page on the The Charities Aid Foundation web site.
Please click this link and follow the simple instructions.
You will be invited to donate either by post or using a credit or debit card.
Using this method you can donate anonymously or not in which instance your donation will be acknowledged electronically or by our Chairman if you submit your postal address.
The Charities Aid Foundation are a charity providing On-Line fund-raising support to many charities.
