New animations to help breast cancer patients understand radiotherapy treatment

Why it matters: The animations aim to improve patients' understanding of their treatment before they arrive at the radiotherapy department, helping them feel more informed and better prepared.

The details: The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) has produced two animations focusing on different aspects of radiotherapy:

• The first explains how radiotherapy treatment works and what to expect during appointments

• The second focuses on the "deep inspiration breath hold" (DIBH) technique, used for patients with left breast cancer or right breast cancer affecting the internal mammary chain

How it works: The DIBH technique helps protect cardiac tissues during treatment.

• Patients are coached to hold their breath for about 20 seconds

• This breathing technique moves cardiac structures away from the treatment area

• Patients can practice the technique at home before appointments

• Treatment stops automatically if patients need to exhale within the timeframe

• Alternative approaches are available for those unable to hold their breath

What they're saying: Tracy Cruttenden, Macmillan advanced radiotherapy practitioner at Colchester Hospital, said: "We want patients to have a good understanding of their treatment and what it entails before they come to the radiotherapy department."

"We know it isn't always easy for those patients who are having this type of treatment to hold their breath for the required 20 seconds, so we hope the animation will be helpful to explain why it's important and how they can practise and prepare at home."

Rachel Laker, consultant radiographer at Ipswich Hospital, added: "Working on these animations has been a great opportunity for cross-site working between the whole of the ESNEFT breast radiotherapy team, allowing for the development of standardised services across the Trust."

For context: The project was developed with ESNEFT's Innovation Team and funded through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Mandy Jordan, associate director for charities and voluntary services at ESNEFT, said: "We hope these animations support patients with their understanding of radiotherapy before they come into hospital so they feel prepared for their treatment."

The bottom line: The animations are available to patients at both Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, with a short version of one animation available online. More information about breast cancer, including symptoms and treatment, can be found on the NHS website.