Children and radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can be a frightening experience for both children and their parents, but once everyone understands what is involved this fear should disappear. The radiotherapy staff are used to treating children and they can offer help and support.

Young children, especially if they are aged three or younger, may have their treatment under a mild general anaesthetic. As your child can’t eat or drink for at least four hours before his or her treatment, you will probably have a morning appointment. The anaesthetic is usually given in the radiotherapy department by an anaesthetist. You can stay with your child until he or she is asleep.

Although you won’t be able to stay in the radiotherapy room during your child’s treatment, you can watch through the window or on the TV screen. The nurses will look after the child until he or she wakes up, usually after 20 minutes to an hour, and then you will both be able to go home, unless your child is an in-patient, in which case a nurse will take them back to the ward.

Older children may take a while to get used to the size and sound of the machines, but this should get easier once they come to know the staff and the surroundings. If you are finding it difficult to cope with your child’s illness, you may find it helpful to contact one of the children’s cancer groups. Sharing your experiences with other parents can help you to cope with your own problems and fears. Contact CancerBACUP’s Cancer Support Service for details of these groups.

A parent’s guide to children’s cancers gives more information about radiotherapy treatment for children.