Informed consent in radiotherapy

A single-centre service evaluation of consenting practice

Published on September 1, 2022

Radiotherapy is a highly effective tool for cancer treatment and an important component of cancer management, conferring both survival and palliative benefits1, 2. Approximately 50% of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy during their course of illness, either for cure or as a palliative treatment3, 4. All patients undergoing radiotherapy must undertake a consent process prior to treatment, however, there is particular complexity in undertaking radiotherapy consent due to the significant acute reactions during treatment and the potential for late toxicity many years later5.

The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has a leading role in providing guidance and professional support to its members and recommends evaluating consenting practice in centres annually6. Following a General Medical Council update on decision-making and consent in 20207, the RCR began the process of developing a standardised site-specific...

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