Radiotherapy

Understanding vaginal cancer
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2023)
This booklet clearly explains vaginal cancer, including anatomy, diagnosis, treatment and side effects. There is also a handy glossary, question checklist and information on seeking support.
(8-page fact sheet PDF)

Radiotherapy for vaginal cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK, 2021)
This UK-based web page provides information on vaginal cancer, including different types of vaginal cancers, treatment and side effects. Please note that support services and telephone numbers are not available to Australians.
 (web)

Radiation therapy
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS, 2021)
Overview of radiotherapy, how it works and how you can prepare for treatment. Includes brachytherapy for vaginal cancer.
(web)

Radiation
Cancer Survivor Guide (AUS, 2018)
Episode 4 of this podcast explains how radiation therapy works, and the roles of the Radiation Oncologist and Radiation Therapist.
 (podcast)

Understanding radiation therapy: a guide for people with cancer, their family and friends
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2021)
This booklet does not go into radiotherapy for specific types of cancer, but provides an excellent introduction to types of radiotherapy, treatment planning and possible side effects.
  (72-page booklet – PDF or hard copy)

An introduction to radiation therapy
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) (US, 2014)
This video from the United States gives a clear explanation of radiotherapy processes, which are similar to what a woman will experience in Australia. Acknowledges anxiety and fear of the unknown, and how they can be managed. YouTube sometimes suggests other videos on similar topic. Please be aware that those other videos have not been reviewed for the Navigator and may not be reputable.
 (YouTube video, 17m 34s)

Radiotherapy explained
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK, 2022)
Useful explanation of how radiotherapy works, how you can prepare and what to expect. As this is a UK resource, some of the words they use may be slightly different to the words we use in Australia. (e.g. radiographer instead of radiation therapist; clinical oncologist instead of medical/radiation oncologist). The ‘Bladder urgency card’ and support phone numbers are not available in Australia.
  (web page and video)

Pelvic radiotherapy
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK, 2021)
Links to information on pelvic radiotherapy, including side effects, follow up and recovery. As this is a UK resource, the support line is not available in Australia, and some of the words they use may be slightly different to word used in Australia.
 (web)

If you have vaginal cancer (easy reading)
American Cancer Society (cancer.org) (US, 2020)
This is a good introduction to the types of vaginal cancer, treatment, side effects and follow up. This could be a good starting point prior to seeing your doctor, as it includes lists of questions you might wish to ask. Remember that support information is for a US audience only.
 (web)

Radiation therapy for vaginal cancer
American Cancer Society (cancer.org) (US, 2020)
Description of the types of radiotherapy that might be used to treat vaginal cancer, and information on possible side effects. Remember that support information is for a US audience only.
 (web)