Home – Our services – James Cook Cancer Institute – CLEAR radiotherapy late effects service – CLEAR

CLEAR

CLEAR the Co-designed Late Effects After Radiotherapy service at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Welcome to CLEAR

Hello, and welcome to CLEAR the Co-designed Late Effects After Radiotherapy service at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Have you had pelvic radiotherapy and are still experiencing symptoms?

Some people develop symptoms months or even years after cancer treatment has finished. These are known as “late effects”.

The CLEAR service provides specialist assessment, advice and support for people experiencing ongoing symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy.

We work with you to understand your symptoms, identify possible causes and develop a personalised plan to improve your quality of life.

It's important to know

Experiencing symptoms after radiotherapy does not necessarily mean your cancer has returned.

Some symptoms can be a long-term side effect of treatment and may develop many months or years later.

CLEAR can help assess these symptoms and guide you towards the right support.

What are late effects?

Late effects are symptoms or health problems that develop months or years after radiotherapy treatment.

They can affect people differently. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others find they have a significant impact on daily life.

Late effects can occur after radiotherapy for:

  • Prostate cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Bowel (colorectal cancer)
  • Gynaecological cancers

Common symptoms we can help with

  • Bowel problems or changes in bowel habits

  • Bladder urgency, frequency or leakage

  • Tiredness and fatigue

  • Sexual difficulties

  • Pelvic pain or discomfort

  • Lymphoedema (swelling)

  • Anxiety, low mood or emotional wellbeing concerns

  • Difficulties affecting work, relationships or everyday activities

Could CLEAR help me?

You may benefit from CLEAR if:

  • You had pelvic radiotherapy more than three months ago
  • Your treatment has finished
  • You have symptoms that are affecting your daily life
  • You think your symptoms may be linked to previous radiotherapy treatment

Speak with your healthcare team if you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate.

How can CLEAR help?

CLEAR offers personalised support tailored to your individual needs. 

During your appointment, a specialist practitioner will:

  • Discuss they symptoms you are experiencing
  • Review your medical history and previous treatments
  • Assess the impact on your daily life and wellbeing
  • Arrange appropriate investigations where required
  • Provide advice and management plans
  • Refer you to other specialist services if needed

Developed with patients

CLEAR was created in partnership with patients, healthcare professionals and researchers. People living with the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy helped shape the service to ensure it focuses on the support that matters most.

It was reassuring to speak with someone who understood the effects I was experiencing years after my cancer treatment."

Who can access this service?

The service is available to patients who:

  • Have received radiotherapy to the pelvic area at The James Cook University Hospital

  • Finished treatment more than three months ago

  • Are experiencing ongoing symptoms that may be related to treatment

If you are unsure whether the service is suitable for you, please speak to your healthcare team.

At your first appointment

You may wish to bring:

  • A list of your current symptoms
  • Information about any medications you take
  • Any questions or concerns you would like to discuss

Appointments usually involve talking about your symptoms, treatment history and how your condition affects day-to-day life. Together, we will agree the next steps.

How can I be referred

Referrals can be made by:

  • Oncology teams
  • Clinical nurse specialists
  • Consultants
  • Other healthcare professionals involved in your care

If you think you may benefit from the service, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.

Meet the team

Claire Powlesland
Advanced clinical practitioner radiographer and lead for the CLEAR service

Claire is an advanced clinical practitioner specialising in the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy.  She leads the CLEAR service and is passionate about improving care for people living with the consequences of cancer treatment.

Claire works closely with patients to assess and manage symptoms that can arise months or years after treatment.  Her goal is to help people regain confidence, maintain independence and achieve the best possible quality of life.

Alongside her clinical role, Claire is undertaking PhD research exploring how late effects services can be co-designed with patients.

The CLEAR service has been shaped by the experiences and priorities of people with lived experience of pelvic radiotherapy, ensuring that care is both patient-centred and responsive to people’s needs.