Jessica Bayley/BBCBreast cancer patients in Leeds will no longer need permanent tattoo markings to guide their radiotherapy treatment thanks to new technology.
Installed at Leeds Cancer Centre, the Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) system uses advanced surface imaging to eliminate the need for the traditional markings.
The five machines have been funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity and are expected to benefit around 1,800 breast cancer patients a year.
Leanne Dalby, one of the first to benefit from the new equipment, said it meant she could wear her summer clothes without worrying about “exposing an unwanted tattoo”.
The 52-year-old, from Halifax, who was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer this year, had expected to receive tattoos, as outlined in NHS leaflets.
Traditionally radiographers use the permanent markings to make sure the treatment is accurate and focussed on exactly the same area each during each session.
“My mum, who we sadly lost to breast cancer last year, had tattoos when she received radiotherapy some 18 years ago,” she said.
“So when I was told that thanks to new technology that I didn’t need to have the tattoos, I was surprised and really pleased.”
Jessica Bayley/BBCPeter Enever, head of radiotherapy at Leeds Cancer Centre, said: “This is very different to traditional radiotherapy where we use skin marker tattoos to align the patient into the right position for treatment.
“With this, we no longer have the need for those tattoos so it is a huge benefit to the patient.”
The technology also allows patients with communication impairments to safely receive radiotherapy.
Traditionally, staff relied on speaker systems to instruct patients when to hold their breath and remain still, which is crucial to protect healthy tissue during treatment.
However, this method excluded patients such as those who were deaf because of the increased safety risk.
Instead, SGRT uses light signals and a real-time visual coach to provide non-verbal guidance during treatment, ensuring accurate positioning.
Mr Enever said SGRT also had significant clinical advantages including reducing treatment slot times and enabling more patients to receive radiotherapy quicker.
He added: “It is a fantastic piece of equipment and overall, the experience the patients goes away with is much better.”