Radiotherapy may be given in a few different ways: External beam radiotherapy is administered from outside the body using a large machine that sends out radiation beams. When receiving this treatment, you will sit or lie on a special bed underneath the machine. You will need to stay very still so the radiation only affects the area around your cancer. Your medical team will make sure you are in exactly the right position each time before starting the machine. Depending on the area being treated, you may be supported with boards, wedges, beanbags, or a special face mask. Radiotherapy usually only takes a few minutes each session and it does not hurt. Radiotherapy is usually given on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can go home between sessions. Sessions are often scheduled daily Monday to Friday, with a break over weekends, for several weeks or months. Internal beam radiotherapy uses small devices such as wires, needles or pellets which have a sealed radiation source inside them. These are inserted inside your body, close to or inside the cancer, to give off radiation and kill the cancer. You may be treated with medicines to numb the area (local anaesthetic) or put to sleep (general anaesthetic) while the devices are inserted. One benefit of this treatment is that it can be given in a specific area — even areas deep inside your body — with minimal effect on your healthy cells. The radioactive devices may be left inside your body temporarily or permanently, depending on the dose of radiation being used, and the type of cancer being treated. You may need to stay in hospital for a few days when getting internal beam radiotherapy. In other cases, where low-dose devices are left in your body permanently, you may be able to go home soon after they are inserted. Your medical team will carefully consider the best way to deliver your radiotherapy. You may need to have a number of blood tests and scans to get important information about your cancer and its exact location so your doctors can plan your radiotherapy.