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Radiotherapy equipment is very complex and needs a lot of space and specially trained staff, so radiotherapy departments tend to be in the larger regional and teaching hospitals.
Often you’ll have your initial cancer treatment, such as surgery, at your local hospital and will then be referred to your nearest specialist cancer hospital for radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy departments have varying types of equipment and are organised according to local needs, so they may be run in different ways. Most of the information in this booklet will apply to most departments, but you may find there are some differences at the hospital where you are being treated.
You can usually have external radiotherapy| as an outpatient, but if you are unwell or having chemotherapy at the same time, you may need to stay in hospital. In this case you will go to the radiotherapy department each day from the ward. If you’re having internal radiotherapy| you may have to stay in hospital for a few days.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.