Lincolnshire cancer patients benefit from faster radiotherapy treatment
Cancer patients in Lincolnshire can now benefit from a new radiotherapy treatment machine that can help save lives.
The radiotherapy team at Lincoln County Hospital, run by United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH), has received a new piece of equipment known as the Halcyon linear accelerator (LINAC).
A linear accelerator delivers external beam radiotherapy, using high-energy X-rays or electrons to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The new machine is initially being used to treat patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
John Ralph, 77, from the Spalding area, is the first patient to undergo a course of radiotherapy using the new linear accelerator.
John is a retired accountant. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer nine years ago after having a PSA test to check his prostate health. Last year, his condition progressed to a stage where further scans and a biopsy indicated that he needed radiotherapy.
John said: “I was concerned about side effects and how I would cope with the treatment, which I think is natural. But the actual treatment was quick, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and I didn’t feel anything. The team was very helpful and attentive, and I couldn’t fault them.
“I would advocate for all men to get tested because, in my case, I wouldn’t have known I was ill without the PSA test. It could have taken much longer for symptoms to develop and give me enough concern to seek help.”
Paul Gleadle, 68, from the Gainsborough area, was also one of the first patients to receive treatment on the new LINAC machine.
Paul is a retired serviceman and HGV driver who enjoys keeping active, going to the gym, walking, and socialising with his friends and family. He considered himself fit and healthy and had no symptoms, but, inspired by Sir Chris Hoy’s story and other media coverage, he decided to have a PSA blood test to check his prostate health.
Paul said: “I had my test in January 2025. My doctor called me back and, after an additional physical examination, referred me for further investigations. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and opted for surgery to have my prostate removed.
“After the surgery, I was recovering well, but after almost a year my PSA results indicated that I might need further treatment, and I was advised to have six and a half weeks of radiotherapy.
“It was a bit of a blow and it made me anxious, but so far my treatment is going well, with minimal side effects, and with the support of my wife, Carol, I am doing well.
“The team at the Lincolnshire Oncology Centre is brilliant and very discreet when it comes to delivering radiotherapy. There’s nothing to worry about or be embarrassed about. They have looked after me so well and given me a lot of advice on how to get through it.
“I want to spread the word to other men not to be shy and to get tested if you have any concerns. Don’t wait, because it can save your life.”
Paula Brown, Radiotherapy Services Manager at ULTH, said: “I’m really excited that we can now offer this specialist radiotherapy treatment to suitable patients here in Lincolnshire.
“This brand-new unit allows for quicker treatment, as well as higher quality imaging which will allow us to use modern technology to reduce delays and improve treatment waiting times for other patients.”
Paula added: “Radiotherapy is an essential and life-saving treatment for many cancer patients. We know how important it is to receive treatment in a timely manner, and this new piece of equipment will help us achieve that for people across Lincolnshire.
“The new machine also consumes less power than standard equipment, making it more sustainable. It operates much more quietly than conventional linear accelerators, which improves patient comfort.”
The cutting-edge new machine has been introduced in the county thanks to government funding as part of its mission to improve cancer care through the Plan for Change.