Introduction: Supporting Someone with Cancer
When someone you love has cancer, it’s natural to want to support them the best way you can. But sometimes, it’s hard to know what to do or say. You might feel like it’s easier to avoid talking about it, but this can make them feel alone. Or they might not want to talk, and you might really want to.
Diagnosis of a loved one is a really tough time for everyone involved. Things in your relationship might change, and you might feel sad, worried, or helpless. It’s important to give yourself time to understand what’s happening and take care of your own feelings too.
Learning About Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a common treatment for cancer. It uses radiation to destroy the DNA of cancer cells.
Learn more About Radiotherapy here
Types of Radiotherapy
- External Beam Radiation: This is the most common type. A machine sends beams from outside the body to where the cancer or target area is.
- Internal Radiation: This involves placing a small implant near the cancer or target area inside the body.
- Internal Systemic Radiation: This uses a radioactive compound / liquid that travels through the body to the cancer. They may be taken as a drink, capsules or as an injection. They are also known as radioisotopes or radionuclides.
Possible Side Effects
Radiotherapy can have side effects, and they depend on the treatment type and where the cancer is. Some people have more side effects than others. Common ones include:
- Skin Reactions: The skin where the radiotherapy is given might change its appearance, hurt, or peel. Wearing loose clothing helps avoid rubbing against the affected area.
- Fatigue: This means feeling really, really tired, despite having had ‘enough’ sleep. It’s different from normal tiredness and can make people feel very worn out.
- Hair Loss: Your loved one might lose hair where the treatment is given, such as the head.
- Eating Problems: Treatment may cause nausea (feeling sick), cause mouth sores, problems swallowing or a lack of appetite.
- Problems going to the toilet if treatment is in the pelvis.
- Lowered immune system, which can make people more likely to get infections.
How to Help
- Be There: Just being with your loved one can be a big help.
- Talk and Listen: It’s okay to talk about cancer and treatment. Listening is also very important. Try to listen without giving advice.
- Ask for Help: You can talk to your loved ones’ treatment team if you have questions or need advice on how to help.
Taking Care of Yourself
Supporting someone with cancer is hard work, and you need to take care of yourself too. It’s okay to feel sad, angry or stressed. There are support groups that can help you talk about your feelings. Remember, you can’t help your loved one if you’re not looking after yourself.
Need More Information?
If you have more questions or need support, charities like Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK have lots of resources to help you and your loved one during this time.
