A-Z of Cancer Services
A is for AOHS
A is for AOHS, Acute Oncology & Haematology Service. Amy Knights, Advanced Nurse Practitioner explains more about the service in this short video.
Find out more about Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Acute Oncology Haematology Service
B is for Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a specialised form of radiotherapy used to treat certain types of cancer. Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source directly inside or close to the tumour. This allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered precisely to the cancerous tissues while minimising damage to nearby healthy tissue. Treatments require careful planning and accuracy to ensure treatment is delivered safely.
The planning and treatment of brachytherapy requires a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) made up of therapeutic radiographers, clinical scientists, oncologists, theatre staff and nursing staff collaborate to provide this service.
As a part of the MDT, our Therapeutic radiographers play a crucial role in the delivery of brachytherapy, this ranges from specialised patient care, imaging of the patient and treatment delivery.
Brachytherapy is used to treat gynaecological and prostate cancers and is often used in combination with other treatments such as external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
Patients may receive treatment as outpatients or inpatients depending on the tumour site being treated, this could involve a procedure needing a general anaesthetic.
- A guide to modern radiotherapy | SoR
- Therapeutic radiographer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk
- BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology | University of Suffolk
- BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography | Uni of Herts
- Therapeutic Radiography Degree Apprenticeship | Courses | Uni of Herts
- Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR
C is for Colney Centre
The Colney Centre is the main outpatient area for Oncology patients and is in East Block, Level 1. To learn more about the Colney Centre please watch our patient information video.
D is for Diagnosis
Cancer is diagnosed via two pathways. National routine screening programmes are well established in cervical, breast and bowel cancers. Eligible people are invited to complete screening and any positive results will trigger a hospital cancer review.
The other pathway is via the GP or dentist. If symptoms or results are concerning for cancer, the GP will send an urgent suspected cancer referral (formerly known as two-week wait). The hospital team will review the referral and an appointment will be booked as soon as possible.
In the video, Dr Matthew Lawes describes the process when someone is referred on this pathway. Please note the video uses the old term ‘two-week wait’ but the process is the same.
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » What is a two week wait?
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Breast Screening
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Bowel Cancer Screening
- Cancer Screening and Immunisation – Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS
E is for Early Detection
It is frightening to think that when something feels wrong with your body it could be serious. We know that most people referred for potential cancer do not have it.
However, cancer treatments work best when it is caught early. It is important to see your GP as soon you become worried. Please visit our CARE hub for further information on Signs and Symptoms of Cancer.
F is for Financial Support
Macmillan Benefit Advice team help support people with cancer and their family members with specialist benefit advice, information, and support.
They provide this via the telephone and in face-face meetings at NNUH. You can contact them yourself on 0345 600 6257. Or you can ask to be referred by your Clinical Nurse Specialist, the Cancer Care Navigator team, or the team at the Cancer Information Centres. Our patient information video will give you further details of what support is available.
G is for Genomics
Please watch the video from NHS East Genomics to mark World Cancer Day 2025 to learn the basics of genomics.
To find out more about the information, resources and support available to you around genomic/genetic testing and how it relates to your practice, please see the following links, which are featured in the video:
- GeNotes: Genomic notes for clinicians | GEP | NHS England
- Cancer genomics – Genomics Education Programme
- East Genomics | East Genomics
- QGenome
- Genomics :: East of England Cancer Alliance
H is for Holistic Needs Assessment
A Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) is a tool developed by Macmillan to help patients and their families identify and address the issues most important to them. In this short video, Gemma, one of our Cancer Care Navigators explains more.
I is for Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy can be used to treat many different cancers. It works by triggering the body’s immune system to find and attach cancer cells. Types of immunotherapies include monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapy.
Please watch the video as Sue Wass tells us about BCG, a type of Immunotherapy offered at the North Norfolk Macmillan Centre. To find out more about Immunotherapy have a look at the website below.
J is for Jargon
Cancer comes with its own language and when you are diagnosed it is like being in a foreign country. Unfamiliar words appear all the time – PET scan, metastatic, malignant, SACT, MDT, CNS.
As healthcare professionals we try to keep these at a minimum some are unavoidable. Norfolk and Waveney ICB have a handy online glossary, please see link below.
K is for Knowledge
The cancer pathway can be confusing and although there are set phases, these can happen at different times depending on cancer diagnosis. This is why NNUH provide the Cancer Information and Support team which includes the Cancer Navigator team, the North Norfolk Macmillan Support Centre, and the Macmillan Information Pod.
We support the clinical teams to provide that expert knowledge and help to make cancer easier to understand.
L is for Lifestyle
L is for Lifestyle. Cancer effects every part of your life, not just the physical. Everything from your ability to participate in hobbies, family life, work and manage your finances. We can help you to navigate your way through this time and provide resources and signposting to local and national organisations.
M is for Macmillan
M is for Macmillan. Macmillan are a national charity that raises money to support cancer services, research, and campaign to achieve better cancer care, as well as supporting the cancer workforce. The vital funding that Macmillan provides means that we can do more than ever to support people with cancer.
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Macmillan services
- Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK’s leading cancer care charity
N is for Nurse Specialist
When you are diagnosed with cancer, your main point of contact or keyworker will be a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). A CNS is a senior nurse who has expert knowledge in an area of cancer. You will normally meet a CNS at the time of your diagnosis, and you will be given their contact details.
They work in teams so you may meet more than one CNS for your cancer and can speak to any of the team for support. Sam Gosnold, Lung CNS talks about her role in this short video.
O is for Oncologist
In this short video Dr Jenny Nobes, Clinical Oncologist and Service Director for Oncology explains what an Oncologist is and what treatments and support they can offer. For further information please visit: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » The Oncology Care Team
P is for Palliative Care
Palliative Care is a specialist advice and support service for symptom control and the care of patients with any life-limiting illness. They provide patient centred care and care for the family and carers as well as supporting healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients, families and carers who are receiving Palliative Care.
Click below to watch a short video by Daniela Ayre, Palliative Care Matron about the service or visit their website…
Q is for Questions
The land of cancer can be confusing, isolating and requires relentless change. Cancer impacts every part of a person’s life in many unexpected ways creating endless questions. Medical appointments can be overwhelming and sometimes you can find yourself with more questions than answers.
NNUH offers Cancer Information and Support Services, including the Macmillan Information Pod, The North Norfolk Macmillan Information Centre, and The Cancer Care Navigator team to help you find answers.
There are also external charities and services that can help, see the CARE hub for a more information.
R is for Radiotherapy
At NNUH approximately 3,000 patients come through the radiotherapy service each year. Each patient will have between 1 and 37 treatments, depending on their type of cancer and its stage. Radiotherapy is usually delivered using linear accelerators (pictured) which deliver external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). EBRT uses high energy x-rays, aiming them at a precise point within the patient’s body.
Therapeutic Radiographers, work with Clinical Oncologist and the Medical Physicists team to provide the radiotherapy service. Therapeutic Radiographers are the only profession who are solely trained in cancer care and can legally deliver radiotherapy treatment. Their role is vital throughout the radiotherapy pathway as they are technical experts in planning & delivering radiotherapy, and provide supportive care for patients before, during and after their treatment.
To become a therapeutic radiographer, you need a degree in radiotherapy and to hold Health & Care Profession Council (HCPC) registration. There are various training routes, including apprenticeships. There are also multiple opportunities for qualified therapeutic radiographers which include advance and consultant practice. Please refer to the links below if you are interested learning more about a career as a therapeutic radiographer.
- A guide to modern radiotherapy | SoR
- Therapeutic radiographer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk
- BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology | University of Suffolk
- BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography | Uni of Herts
- Therapeutic Radiography Degree Apprenticeship | Courses | Uni of Herts
- Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR
S is for Support Groups
Talking to other people who are going through a similar experience can be a helpful way to get emotional and practical support during a cancer diagnosis. The NNUH provide a range of groups tailored to diverse needs. All of these can be found on our CARE hub using the Link below.
T is for Treatment Options
When cancer is confirmed, your results will be discussed by cancer specialists in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting and a personalised treatment plan will be developed.
The type of treatment depends on factors such as age, health (past and present), type of cancer, size of tumour, if the cancer has spread etc. The main treatment types are Surgery, Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatments (SACT) (such as Chemotherapy), Radiotherapy.
If you are offered SACT treatment you may be able to have your treatment at our North Norfolk Macmillan Centre in Cromer or on our Mobile Cancer Care Unit – Amara. Please ask your CNS for further details. You can read more in the “Cancer Treatments” section of our CARE Hub.
U is for Uncertainty
Fear of recurrence and concerns for the future are a significant problem for half of cancer survivors up to 1 year post treatment and it remains a problem for 40% up to 5 years post treatment.
The HOPE course looks to provide support through facilitated discussions and guidance of self-management techniques. The course is based on positive psychology, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy and is aimed at patients who have completed their treatment for cancer or who are living long term with cancer.
HOPE aims to help attendees regain their confidence, develop relaxation techniques and feel more confident to deal with emotional issues and stresses. During the course we explore topics including goal setting, managing fatigue, improving physical activity, body image, relationships, and concerns for the future. We help attendees develop tools to manage setbacks and rebuild their life after cancer.
Courses are delivered in Cromer and Norwich.
Please see our poster with all dates for 2025. If there are no suitable dates, please contact the Cancer Information and Support team to register your interest in future dates. Please note that there is also an online version of the course if this would be more suitable for you, this can be accessed at the link below.
If you are interested in the HOPE course and would like to find out more or book onto one of the courses please speak to the Cancer Information and Support team on 01603 641559 or email cromermacinfocentre@nnuh.nhs.uk.
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers provide vital support for cancer patients and help to develop and shape the experience of care.
We have 13 volunteers who help on Weybourne Day Unit at the NNUH, such as Carole (photo). They provide refreshments and offer a listening ear for patients having treatment. Their kind and welcoming presence is essential to patients on the unit.
Trish, Simon, and Beverley volunteer within the North Norfolk Macmillan Centre at Cromer Hospital. Their expert knowledge assists the Support Centre in delivering both group and individual support.
TAC (Together Against Cancer) is our patient and carer representative group who work alongside clinical and non-clinical staff to improve patient experiences in Norfolk. We currently have 6 volunteers who contribute to the ongoing development of Cancer Services at NNUHFT.
Our volunteers are an integral and valued part of our team and offer practical and emotional support to patients with a view to continually improve and develop services. We want to take this opportunity to thank every individual who helps us to provide the best care for our patients.
If you are interested in volunteering visit Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Volunteer with us or if you want to find out more about TAC please email cancerservices@nnuh.nhs.uk.
W is for Weybourne Day Unit
Weybourne Day Unit is a nurse-led service delivering systemic anti-cancer treatments (SACT) such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other supportive treatments to oncology and haematology patients within a day care setting within the hours of 8 to 6 Monday to Friday and 8-5 on Saturday’s. There are 25 reclining chairs, and each patient can have one visitor to accompany them. Our team comprises of specialist trained nurses and healthcare assistants along with daily volunteers and Pets as Therapy dogs that visit three days per week. Macmillan care navigators also attend the unit once a week, all providing complementary care and support to our patients.
Refreshments are provided throughout the day with a light lunch served at midday.
Following two treatments on Weybourne Day Unit, some patients will be scheduled to our satellite centres such as our mobile cancer care unit (MCCU) called Amara, provided by Hope for Tomorrow charity but staffed by Weybourne Day Unit nurses or North Norfolk Macmillan Centre at Cromer District Hospital this is dependent on treatment type.
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Weybourne Day Unit
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Spotlight on our Mobile Cancer Care Unit
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Cromer Hospital
X is for X-rays, Scans
Radiology is central to most patient pathways in our hospital. Radiology use images to diagnose, treat and manage medical conditions and diseases. Patients may be familiar with X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, but the department consists of other areas, including bone density scanning, Ultrasound, Breast Imaging, Fluoroscopy (taking video images of body movements such as swallowing), Nuclear Medicine, Vascular Access services and Interventional Radiology. Cromer Radiology (Located at Cromer Hospital) consists of X-ray at the Minor Injuries Unit, MRI, alongside breast imaging, ultrasound, and bone density scanning.
The department is made up of around approximately 500 multi-disciplinary team members which include Medical, Nursing, Allied Health Professions, admin and clerical staff, Radiology Department Assistants, and housekeeping teams. During 2023-24, 495,372 examinations were carried out, an 11% increase from 2022-23.
The Radiology department has been accredited with the Quality Standards in Imaging (QSI) Award since 2012 and has continued to maintain this accreditation into 2024. The accreditation publicly endorses the high-quality patient-centred services the Radiology department continually operates.
You can be sure that the Radiology Department is always doing its utmost to ensure that our service is of the highest quality. With a new standalone Community Diagnostic Centre (NNUH CDC), previously known as Diagnostic Assessment Centre (DAC); due to open early next year, the department is expanding to meet the increasing demand for its services.
Y is for Young Adults
Young adults and teenagers (aged between 16-24) with cancer often need extra support navigating the impact cancer is having on their emotions, friendship, studies, work, and relationships.
We are fortunate to have Dr Angela Collins as our Clinical Lead for Teenage & Young Adults as well as Holly Bawtree who is our designated Teenage & Young Adults Cancer Nurse Specialist.
Holly also works closely with our colleagues at The Big C to run a Teen and Young Adult Support Group which meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
For further information please contact Holly on holly.bawtree@nnuh.nhs.uk or The Big C support@big-c-.co.uk or visit the Teenage Cancer Trust website
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust » Spotlight on: Holly Bawtree, teenage and young adult cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Teenage Cancer Trust | UK Cancer Charity
- Teen and young adult group – Big C Cancer Charity
Z is for ‘zzzzzz’
Fatigue effects 65% of people with a cancer diagnosis.
It is more common in people who are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Whilst poor sleep can be a reason, there is often more than one cause, making it difficult to manage. Medications; the effect of cancer on the body; the emotional effects of cancer and many hospital appointments all impact a person’s energy levels. Whilst sleep can be restorative, it can also be difficult to get enough to combat these causes.
Regular rest is the best tool against fatigue. Rest can come in many forms. From a short nap in the middle of the day, to crafting or listening to music, the aim to is to feel restored afterwards. Complementary therapy, such as massage, reflexology or aromatherapy, all increase relaxation.
Big C provides complementary therapy at various locations including The North Norfolk Macmillan Information and Support centre.
We also have a Complementary therapy service for inpatients on Mulbarton Ward, supported by the N&N Hospitals charity.