Before you start radiotherapy, your clinical oncologist or specialist radiographer will probably schedule you for an appointment to discuss your treatment and the possible risks or side effects with you.

You will be asked to sign a form giving your permission for the treatment (consent form). Before signing this, make sure that you have seen and understood all the information about the treatment. Radiotherapy treatments can be difficult to understand, which is why it is normal to have questions.

Radiotherapy may harm developing babies, and therefore pregnancy must be avoided. If you think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor or radiologist immediately. You should also let them know if you have a pacemaker, an implantable cardiac device, or a cochlear implant, as these can be affected by radiotherapy.