Please check in at the reception on the ground floor before every treatment. Your appointments with the doctors will be booked in advance. You will have a nurse review appointment every week. It is important to see the nurse and the doctor throughout your treatment.

How to care for your skin

• from day 1 of your treatment put on the cream, we supply twice a day to the area being treated.
  • this cream can be stored in the fridge
  • the nurses will supply the cream for you on your first day
  • please do not apply the cream in the hour before you have treatment
• use mild unscented soap to wash the area being treated. Rinse well after washing and gently pat skin dry with a clean towel, do not rub the area.
• use mild baby shampoo if you are having treatment to your head.
• protect your skin from the sun by covering with clothes or a hat. Please do not use sunscreen on the area being treated.
• avoid using powders, perfumes, aftershave, or regular deodorant on the area being treated.
• we advise the use of crystal deodorant (available at supermarkets or chemists) on the area being treated.
• if you have dry or itchy skin, have a saltwater bath or soak you can do this by:
  • diluting 1 teaspoon of table salt in a litre of cool water and apply to the treatment area with a cloth for 15 minutes, twice a day.
  • or have a cool bath using 1 teaspoon of salt for every litre of water.

Useful information

• radiation can cause a wide variety of side effects. Please talk to the nurse about any symptom or concern you have during your nurse review, or at any other time
• if you are having radiation to your head or neck, you will see our multidisciplinary team (dietician, speech pathologist and specialist nurse) for ongoing management during treatment
• if you are having head and neck radiation, you will be given sodium bicarbonate mouthwash 1% and a dry mouth spray. You will be given advice on using this by the multidisciplinary team
• use a mild toothpaste and a soft, small head toothbrush
• use an electric razor to shave if it is your preference on areas being treated

If you have any questions during treatment, please phone the Canberra Region Cancer Centre on (02) 5124 8444.