Specialist support for radiotherapy ‘Late Effects’ cancer survivors secured across South West

Cancer survivors across the South West who are living with the long-term effects of radiotherapy will continue to receive dedicated care, following the recommissioning of the Radiotherapy Late Effects Service at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).

Recommissioned by NHS England (NHSE) in partnership with the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, the service provides expert physical and emotional support for those experiencing late-onset side effects of radiotherapy.

The service, hosted by UHBW at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC), initially launched in August 2022. Since then, it has supported more than 1,000 patients. These individuals often face symptoms that may arise months or even years after their treatment ends, depending on the area of the body that was treated.

This commissioning secures the future of the vital service, ensuring that anyone who has completed radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment can receive support with their ongoing symptoms.

Zoe Walker, Therapeutic Radiographer at UHBW, who has personally supported over 400 patients through the service at BHOC, said: “These patients have been dealing with persistent issues after radiotherapy. This service ensures consistent, specialist care across the South West”.

“We've created clear referral pathways and built access to expert services. Looking ahead, we're planning to expand our team, introduce targeted group clinics, including one focused on erectile dysfunction for prostate cancer patients, and boost education for primary care professionals to ensure fair access for all. 

“We’re also committed to involving our patients in shaping the service through forums and feedback.”

Photographed: Ruth and Graham Bloomfield in Disneyland Paris in 2019

Graham Bloomfield was just 12 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer, after waking one morning to find two tennis ball-sized lumps on the side of his neck. Following a visit to his GP and a series of tests, clinicians discovered cancer in his blood. He was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare form of cancer that originates in the area behind the nose and upper throat.

Graham underwent two operations on his neck and multiple biopsies. In 1978, treatment began at the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children on St Michael’s Hill. Graham had radiotherapy for four months and chemotherapy for 18 months. He was given the all-clear 18 months later, but the side effects of his treatment have stayed with him ever since.

Now living in Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, with his wife Ruth, Graham learned about the Late Effects service after she saw a feature on the local news. After asking his GP about it, he was quickly referred to the specialist service at UHBW in 2023.

Graham, now a software developer, continues to receive support from Zoe and the team at the Late Effects service, describing the experience as “life-changing.”

He said: “Being diagnosed with cancer as a boy was incredibly difficult - I had to grow up much faster than most. It was also an isolating experience, and 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.

“I was so grateful when my wife told me about the Late Effects service and encouraged me to seek help. The holistic care and understanding I’ve received has been something I didn’t realise I needed until I had it. No one else really understood the long-term impact radiotherapy can have. It’s been a huge relief to finally speak with people who do. I’ve even written a book about my experience! A huge thank you to Zoe and everyone at the Late Effects service.”

Photographed: Graham, aged 7, before his cancer diagnosis

An independent evaluation conducted by the South West Commissioning Support Unit, funded by the SWAG Cancer Alliance, praised the service for its transformative impact. The report highlighted the successful integration of therapeutic radiographers into patient care and noted a reduced reliance on secondary care services, providing a model that could be replicated across the UK.

Petra Jacobs, Radiotherapy Services Manager at UHBW, said: “The Late Effects team should be incredibly proud of the difference they’ve made over the past two plus years. They’ve not only improved the quality of life for hundreds of patients but also gathered essential data to help shape better care across the region.”

To find out more about the Radiotherapy Late Effects Service, visit the UHBW website, email lateeffects@uhbw.nhs.uk or call 07825 053814.

To read the full evaluation report, visit the SWAG Cancer Alliance website.