Leeds Cancer Appeal Surpasses £250,000 for Treatment Technology

Funding aims to enhance radiotherapy experience for patients in Yorkshire

The Leeds Cancer Appeal, organised by Leeds Hospitals Charity, has raised over £250,000 to support the introduction of new cancer treatment technology at Leeds Cancer Centre. The funds will contribute to pioneering equipment intended to make radiotherapy safer, kinder, and less distressing, particularly benefiting children and patients with head and neck cancers.

Improving patient experience during radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can be a challenging process for many patients, especially those requiring treatment for head and neck cancers. The new technology funded by the appeal is designed to improve the overall experience of radiotherapy, aiming to reduce discomfort and anxiety associated with treatment sessions.

One patient who has experienced the difficulties of radiotherapy is Pam Linley, a 57-year-old from Wakefield. After being diagnosed with throat cancer, Pam found the treatment process particularly distressing, requiring sedation before each session due to feelings of claustrophobia caused by the mask used during radiotherapy.

“I found wearing the mask so claustrophobic,” said Pam. “The team were incredibly kind and did everything they could to help, but it was still awful.”

Focus on children and head and neck cancer patients

The appeal specifically highlights the importance of improving treatment for children and those with head and neck cancers, groups for whom radiotherapy can be especially difficult. The new equipment aims to address these challenges by making the process less intimidating and more comfortable.

Further information

• The Leeds Cancer Appeal is part of Leeds Hospitals Charity’s ongoing efforts to support cancer care improvements.
• The funds raised will help purchase and implement advanced radiotherapy technology at Leeds Cancer Centre.
• Additional details and patient stories can be found on the Leeds Hospitals Charity website.

For more information, visit the original announcement on the Leeds Hospitals Charity website: Leeds Cancer Appeal reaches £250,000 milestone.