One of a Kind (a Child's guide to Radiotherapy/paediatric radiation oncology)

Explaining radiotherapy or radiation oncology to children who are entering the hospital for radiation cancer therapy. This film shares the journey and real life experiences and advice from 5 children who received radiotherapy for tumours in different parts of the body. Radiotherapy may be used in the early stages of cancer or after it has started to spread. The procedure starts with finding out exactly where your cancer tumour is. The mould room technician and radiographer will make a mould, mask and / or sometimes a tiny freckle tattoo, to help you to stay in position for your scans and treatment. After scanning your body (CT) to find the shape and size of the tumour, a highly skilled team of oncologists and physicists will make a plan of how to get rid of the cancer. Radiographers will follow the plan, by precisely aiming high-energy radiation or x-rays at your cancer cells in you body. You will have to come back most days for a couple of weeks until the treatment is complete. Sometime one round of radiotherapy will be enough to remove cancer, but sometimes people go through more than one round of radiotherapy, and other treatments like Chemotherapy. This film was funded by NHS hospitals in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Oxford and Southampton in 2010. It was a brilliant idea by Jancis Kinsman, an advanced practice therapy radiographer at the Bristol Haemotology & Oncology Centre (BHOC). Jancis said: “I felt that a short animated film with characters that young children could identify with was the best way to communicate to them what it is like to have radiotherapy. The film is a valuable tool for preparing children and their families for radiotherapy and complements the wonderful work already done by specialist paediatric radiographers, oncologists and play specialists around the country.” 00:00. Introduction 00:55. radiotherapy mask 01:45. radiotherapy mould/bean bag 01:58. radiotherapy tattoo 02:19. CT scanner 02.42. Making a plan 03:00. Radiotherapy machine 04:05. Experiences of radiotherapy 04:50. Outro and credits The film was produced by Aardman animations and ArthurCox. It was directed by ForMed Films CEO, Emma Lazenby, before she started ForMed. The film is used around the world to educate children and families about radiotherapy. ForMed Films make animated films to share real experiences of medical and health issues. We collaborate with healthcare professionals and Charity partners and with people with lived experience to create authentic, memorable and meaningful animated films to promote wellbeing and increase understanding of health-based issues and medical processes. Our films aim to provide a sense of hope and agency, signpost to sources of support, helping people to better manage their own health and wellbeing. ForMed Films CIC are a not for profit/community interest company who make high-quality, award winning films for social good. www.formedfilms.co.uk