Side Effects of Treatment​

It is important to note that radiotherapy side effects will vary from person to person.

Radiotherapy can cause both short and long-term side effects.

The side effects that you might expect will be detailed on your individual consent form and on the information leaflet that you will receive at the pre-treatment planning appointment. We will offer you a copy of this form if you do not have one.​

You can find out more about general side effects here.

Radiotherapy Patient Information Leaflets​

You will be given a radiotherapy information leaflet specific to your type of treatment when you attend for your radiotherapy planning appointment.

Note: We are currently in the process of adding radiotherapy patient information leaflets to the hospital website.

You will find some select radiotherapy patient information leaflets here.

If you would like to request a leaflet which not currently listed on the website, please contact the bookings team.​

Eating Well with Cancer​

Some types of radiotherapy for example, radiotherapy to the head and neck or oesophagus, can cause problems with eating and weight loss. For more information on this click here.

After Your Radiotherapy Treatment​​

Short term radiotherapy side effects can continue for around six weeks after finishing treatment.

Continue to follow any advice you have been given until the side effects settle.

If you have any general concerns regarding side effects or need further advice about radiotherapy aftercare, you can telephone the Dorset​ oncology and radiotherapy advice helpline (DORAH).​

For urgent advice please call the oncology patient hotline.

Radiotherapy helpline (DORAH) – For non-urgent advice​​

Tel: 0300 019 2481​

The Dorset radiotherapy helpline (DORAH) is for any advice about any radiotherapy treatment you ​have had. It is open between 8am and 5.30pm, but a message can be left at any time. It is important ​to note that the DORAH helpline is not for emergencies.

Oncology patient hotline - for urgent advice​​

Tel: 07917 655 889​

This number can be used at all times of the day or night for urgent inquiries. In the event your call is ​not answered, please leave a message stating your name, hospital number, and contact telephone ​number. You should be contacted by a nurse within 30 minutes. In the unlikely event that you are not ​called back within 30 minutes, please call again.