Help is on hand from Rosemere Cancer Foundation for former cancer patients

The nurse-led service, which will be supported by gastroenterology, urology and gynaecology consultants, will work with patients diagnosed with Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD).

Sometimes the healthy cells near to the cancer can become damaged and this can lead to a variety of side-effects – symptoms of PRD – as the body heals at the end of treatment.

Advanced specialist practitioner in the late effects of pelvic radiation Liz Walne, who is leading on the project, said: “While radiotherapy is becoming increasingly effective as a treatment, for some patients, being cured of cancer can come at a sacrifice to their quality of life.

“For too long, both patients and clinicians have accepted the symptoms of PRD as a trade-off. As a result, symptoms are under reported, not properly assessed and mismanaged.

“Through our pilot specialist service, our aim is to identify and treat PRD to resolve or improve symptoms and thereby improve quality of life. We want the project to provide a foundation on which to develop a business case for permanent funding for the service.”