Beyond the technology: the people behind radiotherapy

For someone coming through the door for radiotherapy, it can feel like a daunting and uncertain time.

Therapeutic radiographers are allied health professionals (AHPs) who are there throughout treatment, bringing together specialist expertise, advanced technological skills and compassionate care. From external beam and superficial skin radiotherapy to brachytherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy and proton therapy, therapeutic radiographers use highly specialised techniques to target cancer accurately, while taking the time to support and reassure each person throughout their treatment.

Working closely with people affected by cancer, their carers and the wider multidisciplinary team, they help make sure care is safe, joined up and shaped around what matters to each person. It is a varied, highly skilled and rewarding role that can make a real difference at one of the most challenging times in someone’s life.

Having spent 25 years working clinically across the Thames Valley, I have seen first-hand the difference that skilled, compassionate support can make. I have brought that experience to Thames Valley Cancer Alliance, where I continue to champion personalised care at every stage of a person’s cancer journey. Vicki: Clinical Pathway Manager 

Find out more about therapeutic radiography and how you could support people affected by cancer:

• • College of Radiographers – Radiography Careers
  • NHS Health Careers – Therapeutic Radiographer

Beyond the clinical role: where speech and language therapy can lead

As a Head and Neck Cancer Speech and Language Therapist, my career journey has taken me through to advanced practice, continually challenging me to expand my skills and impact.

I innovated my clinical practice by placing nasogastric tubes for patients with swallowing difficulties and developing chest examination and diagnostic skills to identify potential chest infections arising from oral intake recommendations.

However, I wanted greater stretch and especially in the education and leadership pillars.

I worked with the University of Chichester to develop the first Speech and Language Therapy BSc programme in the South East of England and joined TVCA as ACCEND Programme Manager, developing my strategic leadership and influencing without authority skills.

My profession is the springboard from which my distinctive approach to thinking, working and leading has grown and evolved.

Through my current role, I bring these skills together, demonstrating the breadth of my practice and the impact I can make beyond my professional discipline. Razvanah: ACCEND Programme Manager

Find out more about speech and language therapy and how you could support people affected by cancer: