Radiotherapy

Understanding vulvar cancer
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2023)
This booklet clearly explains vulvar 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)

Vulvar cancer
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS)
This page explains symptoms, diagnosis, staging and treatment of vaginal cancer.
(web)

Vulval Cancer
Cancer Australia (AUS, 2020)
This section of the Cancer Australia website provides information on treatment of vulval cancer. Use the links at the top of the page for more information.
 (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)

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, 2021)
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)