Lincolnshire cancer patients to benefit from faster treatment

The radiotherapy team at Lincoln County Hospital has received a new piece of equipment known as the Halcyon linear accelerator (LINAC).

A linear accelerator delivers external beam radiotherapy, using high-energy X-rays or electrons to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The new machine is initially being used to treat patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

John Ralph, 77, from the Spalding area, is the first patient to undergo a course of radiotherapy using the new linear accelerator.

John is a retired accountant. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer nine years ago after having a PSA test to check his prostate health. Last year, his condition progressed to a stage where further scans and a biopsy indicated that he needed radiotherapy.

John said: “I was concerned about side effects and how I would cope with the treatment, which I think is natural. But the actual treatment was quick, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and I didn’t feel anything. The team was very helpful and attentive, and I couldn’t fault them.

“I would advocate for all men to get tested because, in my case, I wouldn’t have known I was ill without the PSA test. It could have taken much longer for symptoms to develop and give me enough concern to seek help.”

Paula Brown, Radiotherapy Services Manager at ULTH, said: “I’m really excited that we can now offer this specialist radiotherapy treatment to suitable patients here in Lincolnshire.

“This brand-new unit allows for quicker treatment, as well as higher quality imaging which will allow us to use modern technology to reduce delays and improve treatment waiting times for other patients.”

Paula added: “Radiotherapy is an essential and life-saving treatment for many cancer patients. We know how important it is to receive treatment in a timely manner, and this new piece of equipment will help us achieve that for people across Lincolnshire.

“The new machine also consumes less power than standard equipment, making it more sustainable. It operates much more quietly than conventional linear accelerators, which improves patient comfort.”

The cutting-edge new machine has been introduced in the county thanks to government funding as part of its mission to improve cancer care through the Plan for Change.