Patient page
Eating, Drinking and Nutrition
Why nutrition matters during treatment, what can make eating difficult, and how dietitians and speech and language therapists can help.
Patient information
Radiotherapy and Chemoradiotherapy
What radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy involve, how treatment is planned, and which side effects patients may experience during treatment.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Treatment is carefully planned to target the cancer while reducing the effect on surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy is often given daily from Monday to Friday over several weeks.
What is chemoradiotherapy?
Some people receive chemotherapy at the same time as radiotherapy. This is called chemoradiotherapy.
Chemotherapy can help make radiotherapy more effective, particularly in more advanced cancers.
Planning appointments
Before treatment starts, you will have a planning appointment. This may include a planning scan, marking out the treatment area, and meeting members of the radiotherapy team.
Treatment mask and treatment setup
For head and neck radiotherapy, a special mask is often made to help keep your head and neck still during treatment. The mask can feel strange at first, but the team will explain each step and support you through the process.
What happens during treatment
Treatment itself is usually short, but side effects can build up gradually during the course of radiotherapy and may continue for several weeks afterwards.
Side effects during treatment
Common side effects include:
- Sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Thick mucus
- Dry mouth
- Skin soreness
- Changes in taste
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Tell your team early if you are struggling. They can help manage symptoms, support eating and drinking, and adjust your supportive care during treatment.
Related resources
Related pages
Patient page
Life After Treatment
How recovery and adjustment may continue after treatment, including emotional wellbeing, confidence, work, relationships, and living with lasting changes.
Patient page
Recovery at Home After Treatment
What patients and families may need to plan for at home after treatment, including rest, symptom monitoring, follow-up, and day-to-day practical support.
Videos
Video resource
Care of Laryngectomy
An introductory video for patients and carers covering laryngectomy care and the practical points to understand early in recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked question
Can I work during treatment?
Some people continue working during treatment, while others need time away depending on side effects, treatment type, and day-to-day demands.
Frequently asked question
Will I be able to eat normally again?
Many people return to eating and drinking, although some continue to have swallowing difficulties or need support for longer.