OUR GOALS
Rise Up Against Cancer was started by the team at Leo Cancer Care to educate and drive awareness of all upright radiation treatments available in the future. Established by a team of therapeutic radiographers we understand how important it is to share ideas, experiences and resources as professionals in order to develop. We also know having spoken with lots of patients that it was clear that once you have experienced cancer you become part of a community that wants to drive change now and for future patients.
Our Goals:
Drive awareness of upright radiation as a new treatment available in the present and the future
Provide a platform for an upright community for healthcare professionals to share their experiences and resources for their own continuous professional development and to help support their patients.
Create a safe space for patients seeking information regarding upright treatments and current techniques
THE HISTORY OF UPRIGHT
Radiotherapy delivered in an upright orientation is not a new concept, there has been documented cases throughout radiation history. It went out of favor as patients struggled to maintain the position when managing difficult radiation side effects caused by the large treatment fields. Also imaging quickly became such an integral part of the treatment planning and tumor localization process however imaging technology did not focus on upright scanning until more recently so in order to scan and plan in a supine position treatment also needed to be in this position.
This image from 1935 shows a patient receiving treatment for head and neck cancer in an upright position on a revolving platform developed in Istanbul.
This image shows a design from the 1950’s.
Despite not being a mainstream treatment option an upright treatment position has been used for a small number of patients over the decades. Often specifically for patients receiving palliative treatments struggling to lie flat. There are commercial chairs that patients can sit in with the LINAC gantry rotated 90 or 270 degrees with the patient positioned in front of it. This treatment position has limitations however and is not considered highly reproducible. The last decade has seen a resurgence in the interest in a more accurate and reproducible upright radiotherapy technique with a number of companies and research facilities developing their own methods of delivering treatment in this orientation. Some of these modern options are available to see on the Upright Solutions page.
MEET THE TEAM
Kate Yip
Clinical Engagement Manager
I started my career as a radiation therapist back in 2007. Initially, I was responsible for the planning and delivery of treatment as well as data inputting. My role extended to becoming the Privacy and Dignity representative for the department and the Learning Disability and Dementia champion. My roles here encouraged me to look at how our department was supporting our patients and to facilitate the necessary changes to make sure our treatments were accessible to all and that individuals time with us was as positive as possible.
Returning to my studies whilst working full time I extended my role to become an Information and Support Radiographer. I ran clinics in the radiotherapy department holding one-to-one consultations with patients and their families providing them with physical support in managing their side effects from treatment as well as emotional and psychological support. I acted as a patient advocate as they undertook their treatment and as a point of contact whenever they needed it.
My passion and my focus towards patient-centered care remains at the forefront of my work with Leo Cancer Care so I am really excited to support the Rise Up Against Cancer website continuing to provide information and support to anyone who needs it.
Jemma Nunn
Clinical Training Manager
I am a Therapeutic Radiographer with 10 years of clinical experience working in the NHS, and joined the Leo Cancer Care team in 2022.
Throughout my time in the NHS I delivered highly accurate and safe Radiotherapy treatment and scanned patients in preparation for Radiotherapy treatment planning.
Throughout my clinical career, I gained additional skills in venepuncture and IV cannulation. I was a lead member of the department's additional needs team.
I also had the opportunity to become competent in the delivery of advanced Radiotherapy treatment techniques and delivered treatments under trial protocols.
Throughout my clinical career, and now in my position with Leo Cancer Care, my main goal is to use my clinical knowledge and experience to drive for change and innovation in Radiation oncology for Therapeutic Radiographers and patients.