Service supports patients with long-term radiotherapy side-effects

People who are still living with the long-term effects of radiotherapy are to continue receiving dedicated care.

The Radiotherapy Late Effects service, launched in 2022, has supported more than 1,000 patients with expert physical and emotional support.

NHS England in partnership with the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance has recommissioned the service.

Graham Bloomfield, 59, from Bradley Stoke, said it has been a “huge relief” to speak with people who understand the pain he has a result of cancer treatment he received as a child.

The service ensures that anyone who has completed radiotherapy as part of their treatment can receive support for their symptoms including difficulty breathing, oral pain and mobility issues.

Zoe Walker, Therapeutic Radiographer at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, has personally supported more than 400 patients through this service.

“These patients have been dealing with persistent issues after radiotherapy and this service ensures consistent, specialist care across the South West,” she said.

Graham Bloomfield from Bradley Stoke was diagnosed as a child with a rare form of cancer that originates in the area behind the nose and upper throat.

He received treatment which cleared the cancer but the side effects stayed with him.

“Over the years I’ve struggled with a number of physical problems caused by the radiotherapy, including reduced movement in my neck, dental pain, and breathing difficulties,” he explained.

He continues to receive the “life-changing” support from the service.