Radiotherapy Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays which destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy is given each day Monday to Friday with weekends off. How long a course of treatment lasts is variable, but it may be anything up to six weeks. Before treatment begins it is necessary to undergo what is known as 'planning'. This allows the radiographer to work out the exact position in which to place the child, and ensures that treatment is given to exactly the right place each time.
Radiotherapy is painless and usually only takes a few minutes each day.
During the treatment the child must lie perfectly still to ensure precise delivery of the radiotherapy. Sometimes it is necessary to give a sedative to help the child lie still and occasionally an anaesthetic is needed. Radiotherapy is a very effective treatment against cancer cells but it can cause some damage to healthy cells close to the area being treated. The immediate side effects of radiation are usually very mild. The skin may become sore as if it were sunburnt.