IASO-Health-GmbH-and-Amethyst-Austria-Partner

Amethyst Austria and IASO-Health GmbH Announce New Partnership

Vienna, Austria / Bad Ragaz, Switzerland – July 16, 2025

Amethyst Healthcare is excited to announce an exclusive collaboration with IASO‑Health GmbH, led by CEO & Founder Bruno Rosset. This partnership grants IASO‑Health patients’ direct access to Amethyst Radiotherapy’s state-of-the-art center within the prestigious Wiener Privatklinik in Vienna.

Cutting‑Edge Radiotherapy in Austria

Amethyst Radiotherapy Vienna is powered by the Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator, renowned for its precision and versatility. The center offers advanced radiation modalities, including:

  • External Beam Radiation via Linac, delivering high‑energy X‑rays and electrons
  • Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
  • Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS/SRT) for highly targeted, millimeter‑precise tumour

 

Equipped with Cone-Beam CT, multileaf collimators (MLC), HexaPOD couch with six degrees of freedom, and in‑vivo dose monitoring, the centre ensures maximum tumour targeting with minimal impact on healthy tissue

 

Under this collaboration, IASO‑Health patients, supported by its renowned integrative care, including dendritic cell immunotherapy, will benefit from prioritised access to Amethyst’s Vienna centre’s appointments, streamlined pathways across Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and a highly coordinated treatment journey.

 

Bruno Rosset, CEO & Founder of IASO‑Health comments: “Partnering with Amethyst Healthcare enables us to integrate world‑class radiotherapy with our innovative immunotherapy approaches, ensuring our patients benefit from both cutting‑edge technology and deeply personalised care.”

 

Paul Stuchetz, Managing Director, Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, adds: “Since opening in October 2020, our centre has delivered precision cancer care. This partnership with IASO‑Health strengthens patient access to rapid, high‑quality treatment in Vienna.

 

Dr. David Kuczer, Partner Radiation Oncologist at Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, Clinical Lead at Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, states: “With millimetre-level accuracy in stereotactic treatments and robust IMRT/VMAT protocols, this collaboration empowers patients with seamless access to our non‑invasive, high‑precision therapies, backed by comprehensive support systems”.

 

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For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

international radiotherapy centre - woman wearing mantra scarf

What Are The Best Ways To Boost Recovery After Cancer Care?

Every single part of cancer care is an essential part of ensuring the best possible outcomes for recovery, which starts as soon as possible when cancer is suspected and does not always end after the final visit to our internationally renowned radiotherapy centre.

There are no two identical cancer care journeys; even two people with the same treatment plan and course of radiotherapy may not necessarily have an identical road to recovery because their health and individual circumstances can sometimes be very different.

This is particularly true when travelling internationally for cancer care, and because of this, we prioritise the complete patient experience from assisting in preparation for their arrival to helping with extended stays, ensuring your support network can be there and putting you in the best possible place for recovery.

The most important factor in recovery is following the treatment plan, attending every radiotherapy session and following the advice of your care team between sessions, but once you reach the end of a particular course of treatment.

The after-effects of radiotherapy will start to go away gradually as your healthy cells recover from the effects of therapy. Whilst your cancer team and doctors will provide tailored health and advice, here are some of the best ways to boost your recovery and support the healing process.

Go At Your Own Pace

The end of cancer treatment is a period of upheaval and transition, and whilst the goal for many people is to get back to normal, it is important to listen to your body and mind, and go at their pace.

Radiotherapy continues to work to destroy cancer cells for weeks or even months after your final appointment, so it is essential to be gentle to yourself and move towards your new normal gradually.

Never feel guilty if you need to rest or take breaks and do not feel like you need to rush back to work or return to anything you do not feel quite ready for. You will get there but it may take more time than you may expect.

Exercise When You Are Ready And Able

During the prehabilitation stage leading up to your first radiotherapy sessions, as well as during and after your course of treatment, we recommend getting active when you feel like you can, and a physiotherapist will often be available as part of a multidisciplinary care team.

Once you get going, exercise can be very beneficial to your energy levels, physical health, mood and wellbeing. It can also boost your circulation, which itself helps with your recovery considerably.

This does not have to be an intensive, regimented workout, although some people can find that helpful. Gentle stretches, walks in the park and light aerobics can all help with the healing process and can be built upon to have a massive effect on your overall health.

If you have any questions about when and how to exercise post-treatment, do not hesitate to contact your cancer care team, as they will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide advice on how to listen to your body and avoid overtraining when you are still healing.

Focus On Hydration

One of the first pieces of advice you will receive from your radiotherapist is to keep hydrated, and that will continue to be true long after treatment.

There are various reasons for dehydration during cancer treatment, but keeping a bottle of water to hand to drink whenever you need it can help a lot with reducing fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

You may be recommended electrolyte powders, drinks and tablets, which can help restore the minerals that are typically lost through sickness, nausea and sweating.

Similarly, try to reduce and minimise alcohol and caffeine intake, as both can potentially cause or exacerbate dehydration.

Eat A Nutritious Diet

Nutrition is a key part of recovery, and this is especially true when it comes to recovering from intensive treatment.

Eating a balanced diet or one advised by your dietitian will help keep your energy levels high, provide you with adequate nutrition to ensure that your body can recover more quickly and help to improve your mood and mental health.

Find the right meal plan to suit you; if you are struggling to get your appetite back, start with smaller meals eaten more frequently.

Take Care Of Your Skin

You will receive advice early into your treatment regarding ways to take care of your skin during radiotherapy, and you should keep following them for at least a few weeks following your cancer treatment, as any changes to your skin will peak then.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with your cancer care team or cancer support services, as they will be more than happy to help you as you navigate the road to recovery.

Serbian Media Lepa & Srecna Feature Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria

Amethyst Austria Featured On Lepa & Srecna Platform

Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria has been featured on Serbian news platform Lepa & Srećna, highlighting the centre’s advanced breast cancer treatments. These therapies effectively deliver high doses of radiation to malignant cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue—often making breast amputation unnecessary.

This is welcome news for women in Serbia, where 4,447 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year and nearly 1,700 people sadly lose their lives to the disease, according to the news source.

Importance of Early Detection

However, thanks to early detection practices and innovative forms of therapy (such as the radiotherapy delivered by Amethyst teams), prognosis for breast cancer has improved significantly and the disease is now considered to be well controlled.

With breast cancer, which is a common form of the disease, early detection is key and women are advised to undergo both regular examinations and carry out self-examinations so that changes in tissue can be caught and dealt with as early as possible.

Insights from Our Expert

Speaking to Lepa & Srecna, Amethyst radiation oncologist Dr David Kuczer explained how radiotherapy works, with high doses of radiation directed to cancer sites, damaging the DNA of diseased cells and disrupting blood flow to the tumour.

“Cancer cells whose DNA is irreparably damaged stop multiplying, die, and are then broken down by the body,” he said.

While this non-invasive way of working means that the entire breast won’t have to be removed, the goal is to eliminate all microscopic remnants of the tumour to prevent recurrence. 

Technological advancements mean that treatment times have been reduced to between five and 20 sessions over one to four weeks, with individual sessions lasting ten minutes. There is also no scarring and both heart and breast implant protection are assured during treatment.

Personalised Care, Every Step of the Way

Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria prides itself on providing personalised treatments tailored to the individual, with treatment plans tailored to address specific needs, helping to reduce uncertainty about the path ahead and alleviating any anxiety and concerns. 

To find out more, get in touch with the team today.

Cancer treatment radiotherapy - Patient Radiation therapy mask

How Often Will You Receive Radiotherapy Treatment?

Following a diagnosis of cancer or a benign tumour that requires radiotherapy to treat, most people will have a lot of questions and uncertainty about what to expect when it comes to the next steps of their treatment.

For many people, there will be quite a few changes to their lifestyle, but your cancer multidisciplinary team will be there to help manage all of your needs and ensure that you receive the best possible treatment based on decades of evidence and expertise.

In a lot of cases, the primary treatment will be doses of radiotherapy provided every weekday for a set number of weeks, with breaks taking place during weekends.

In most cases, you will receive short daily treatments using radiation scheduled around your other priorities, although this can vary depending on the type of treatment you are having.

Here are the reasons why radiotherapy is provided on a daily basis, why there might be exceptions to this and what to expect throughout your course of treatment at our clinic.

Why Is Radiotherapy Administered Every Day?

In the vast majority of cases, your radiotherapy team will provide small doses of radiation that build up over the total course of treatment to gradually kill cancer cells whilst preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

This is often known as fractional radiation because the total dose of radiation was traditionally split into fractions of equal intensity, although most clinics today will typically describe a course of treatment in terms of visits to a hospital or clinic.

There are a lot of reasons for this, but by far the most important is that it is a much safer and more effective way of providing radiotherapy treatment.

The pioneering radiotherapist Henri Coutard developed what was known at the time as the “protracted-fractional method” after he found that radiation administered over time was more effective at killing cancer cells without the often dangerous side effects of acute doses of radiation.

A beneficial side effect of this is that fractional radiotherapy treatment is painless, quick and will allow people to get on with their day and get everything done that they need to.

The standard dosing schedule is five daily doses a week administered in sessions every weekday, with a break at weekends to allow the body to recover.

Are There Any Exceptions To This?

In many cases, cancer treatment is personalised and tailored to meet the needs of the person receiving treatment. Your treatment plan will take into account your health, any existing conditions, the stages of cancer and where it is located.

Most of the time, a daily schedule of radiotherapy over the course of between two and eight weeks is the most appropriate option, but this is not always the case and one of the main focuses of research in the field of radiotherapy concerns alternative treatment schedules.

Some cancer types, including those that affect the head and neck, will often have twice-daily treatments, typically administered at least six hours apart, which allows for more recovery time by dividing the dose further.

Accelerated fractionation works on the same principle but instead of following the same schedule, as many doses as possible are given as quickly as is safe, which may include weekend treatments to ensure someone is treated as quickly as possible.

Conversely, some types of cancer are treated using fewer radiotherapy sessions but with significantly higher doses of radiation.

This is most notably seen with stereotactic radiosurgery (often known as Gamma Knife), which is typically a single session of treatment that can take up to four hours or more to complete.

Some other cancers can be treated in a similar way or with higher doses provided every other day over a shorter course of treatment. Whether this is possible will depend a lot on the type of cancer and where it is located.

Finally, palliative radiotherapy intended to relieve symptoms is typically given less often, as the goal is not to destroy the cancer but to shrink it in order to relieve symptoms.

What Should You Expect From Radiotherapy Sessions?

A radiotherapy session is typically very short, with the total amount of time you will spend in the clinic ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, although only a small amount of that will be spent undergoing radiotherapy.

The preparation, which typically involves changing into a hospital gown and moving into position to ensure that the radiation beam is precisely positioned, will often take longer than the treatment itself, which usually only takes a few minutes.

You will need to keep as still as possible, although you should breathe normally. It will otherwise look and feel like a medical scan and is typically painless.

Our team will guide you through every stage and ensure that you’re comfortable during each visit. Contact us for more information.

Radiotherapy centre - medical tourism health care travel

When Should You Travel Abroad For Cancer Care Treatment?

We understand that travelling to a specialist international radiotherapy clinic in another country is a huge decision to take, and when it is considered to be part of your cancer treatment plan, it is one of a series of significant and sometimes stressful choices to make.

Because of this we ensure that your stay in the beautiful city of Vienna is as comfortable, relaxing and stress-free as possible, with arrangements for extended stays, specialist rooms for people undergoing treatment and their loved ones, assistance with visa and medical documents and help with any other part of your stay in Austria.

We do this because of our multidisciplinary holistic focus, ensuring that every single part of your itinerary is focused on ensuring you are in the best possible condition for treatment and recovery, and we have considerable experience in giving international patients the best experience possible.

However, seeking treatment abroad is a huge decision and not one that is ever to be taken lightly, but here are some of the reasons why you may be considering or might have been recommended care at an international clinic.

You Need Access To Advanced Medical Equipment

Radiotherapy is an incredible non-surgical non-invasive form of treatment that can be used to incredible results, but the cost of the equipment and the specialist expertise required to operate it safely and plan treatments around it means that not every nearby hospital has access to it.

This is particularly true for TTFields therapy, branded as Optune by the company NovoCure. As it is a state-of-the-art treatment, very few clinics in the world can provide it at all, so the alternative is to travel to a country where it is available.

Amethyst has a wide range of radiotherapy clinics across Europe that have specialist medical equipment and world-class medical professionals that can treat specific conditions with equipment potentially unavailable in your country of origin.

Skip Waiting Lists

Alternatively, some treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy are commonly available but the specific type of treatment you need for a particular cancer diagnosis may involve additional costs or having to go onto a waiting list to gain access to limited facilities.

If those facilities are available elsewhere and they are suitable for your treatment plan, then the best advice may be to travel to an international clinic and get treated sooner, particularly if there is a risk of progression if you need to wait.

At the same time, this does not mean rushing pre-treatment consultations, tests and scans, but instead ensuring that treatment can start as soon as you are ready so it can be completed and you can begin your recovery.

If You Are Able To

Your local doctor will be able to advise you if you can safely travel given the stage or extent of your cancer, and provide either medication or advice for how to take care of yourself during your journey and throughout the duration of your stay in another country.

We will be able to provide some advice as well because our focus is ensuring you get the best possible care in order to have the most positive outcome of any treatment.

Similarly, if you plan on flying to Vienna for treatment, then you may need to prove that you are fit to fly, in case your existing treatment plan, medications or any previous procedures could affect your health whilst in the air.

Depending on where you live, flying may not be necessary, and there are often alternative forms of transport such as long-distance rail or road if you need to travel but cannot fly.

Therapeutic Restorative Relaxation

Travelling to another country for treatment should never be confused with a holiday, as the focus is consistently on your health condition. It is important to plan your itinerary around your recovery, rather than sightseeing. Once you recover, you can always come back.

However, you may get some of the mental and physical health benefits of a holiday by travelling to a beautiful new country and you may find clinical recovery outcomes are supported through stress reduction and better rest, both of which can help improve the body’s healing processes.

Private radiotherapy - linear accelerator technology IMRT

What Is Heterotopic Ossification And Can Radiotherapy Help?

The versatility of specialist radiotherapy treatment means that whilst it is primarily associated with cancer care, it can and has been widely used to treat a wide range of benign and non-malignant diseases.

A particularly unusual but vital example of this is that radiotherapy can be used to help treat people affected by heterotopic ossification, a condition which causes bone to grow in tissue and parts of the body where it is not meant to.

It is relatively uncommon and even less common for it to be substantial enough to cause problems, but it is a condition that radiotherapy can help with as part of a complete course of treatment.

Here are the causes of heterotopic ossification, how it is diagnosed and how radiotherapy can help treat it.

What Causes Heterotopic Ossification?

Heterotopic ossification can be either a separate condition or a symptom of another disease or injury. These are typically classified as genetic and nongenetic, and the former is significantly rarer than the latter.

Genetic heterotopic ossification is any bone growth in soft tissue that is caused by a genetic condition such as progressive osseous heteroplasia, where extra bone develops inside skin, tissue, muscles and other deep tissue where bone should not form.

Another genetic condition, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, is extremely rare, and causes the body to repair minor damage such as bruising or cuts by developing bone instead.

Outside of rare genetic disorders, more localised forms of heterotopic ossification can sometimes occur following traumatic injury, fractures, amputation or major surgery such as hip or joint replacement.

In these cases, following significant damage to the bone, some abnormal bone growth can sometimes occur, causing swelling, tenderness and pain around the fragments of bone.

Whilst still relatively uncommon, it is most commonly a side-effect of joint replacement surgery, where the bone will grow around the metal plates or joints.

When Does It Need Treating?

Much like the relatively similar bone spurs, nongenetic heterotopic ossification typically only needs treatment if it is causing issues with pain or movement, such as by creating painful swellings or forming around a joint to restrain movement.

In the case of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, many treatments that would be used for nongenetic ossification are typically not recommended, as the typical healing process for surgery and other similar treatments would lead to further bone growth and progression.

Typically, a treatment plan for heterotopic ossification will be formed following examination from a specialist in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, using a range of scans and tests to determine the cause and ensure that treatment would be the best course of action.

How Is Heterotopic Ossification Treated?

In some cases it is not treated at all, if the amount of unexpected bone growth is small, there is little risk of progression and it is not causing any problems, it may be possible that no treatment is recommended.

Outside of this, heterotopic ossification often requires tailored treatments based on how the bone forms and the cause of the ossification, in order to avoid any potential future issues as much as possible.

At the lowest level of progression and risk, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy or pain relievers, which help to relieve inflammation, manage pain and increase the range of motions around joints.

Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can stop bone cells from being formed, which can be effective at preventing significant further growth, as can the use of the blood thinner warfarin in some limited incidences as it can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin K.

In some cases, where there is a concern about progression, corticosteroids may also be prescribed to slow down the rate of bone growth, and this is part of the typical course of treatment for genetically progressive forms of the condition.

Radiotherapy treatment can also be undertaken as a form of preventative treatment following surgery that risks the formation of heterotopic ossification in order to stop additional and unwanted bone growth.

In more severe cases where the quality of a person’s life is being significantly affected by the additional bone growth, surgery to remove the excess bone can sometimes be recommended, typically in combination with radiotherapy to stop it from growing back.

This is typically seen as a treatment of last resort, is not recommended for progressive genetic form of bone growth and is typically only undertaken if there are no alternatives, following the maturation of the bone.

If surgery is performed too quickly, then the bone will keep growing, undermining the surgery and often requiring an additional procedure and extending recovery time.

E-Klinika Showcases Amethyst Austria’s Radiotherapy Treatments

Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, one of the world’s leading private practices in the field of radiation oncology, has been featured by top Serbian medical portal e-Klinika, celebrating its achievements in the provision of radiotherapy services to oncology patients over the last 15 years.

The Power of Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy itself is one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment, with more than 50 per cent of patients undergoing radiotherapy during their cancer journey, as it tackles the tumours head on while helping to preserve quality of life and psychological wellbeing at the same time.

Speaking to the news source, Amethyst Group director Dr Paul Stuchetz said:

“Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria stands out as a leading private practice in the field of radiation oncology, thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, dedication to quality and innovation in diagnostics and treatment, as well as its focus on patient comfort and wellbeing.

With exceptional dedication in the application of radiotherapy and radiooncology in the treatment of oncology patients, the Amethyst Centre in Vienna boasts an expert network of specialist doctors and a modern, well-equipped facility.”

Comprehensive Care for International Patients

Welcoming patients from overseas for treatment involves following defined and structured procedures to ensure that the patient experience is safe and efficient, while remaining fully compliant with all relevant regulations and prioritising medical safety at all times.

Patient cases are looked at individually by a team of medical experts, a multidisciplinary approach that involves surgeons, radiation therapists, physicists and oncologists. Other departments are also involved to ensure that patient mental and emotional health and wellbeing is protected, including integrative therapies and psychological support.

Support for Serbian Patients

For Serbian patients interested in finding out more about how the centre could help them throughout their cancer journey, Dr Stuchetz advised them to get in touch with associate Maja Zakarija (+381 63 388 546), who will be able to provide them with all the necessary support in their native language.

Amethyst Radiotherapy Austrai David on Precision Tumour Care
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Dr. David Discusses Advanced Tumour Care at Amethyst Austria

Transforming Cancer Treatment in Austria—With Precision and Compassion

At Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be life-changing—for both patients and their families. That’s why we are committed to delivering fast, accurate, and non-invasive treatment using state-of-the-art radiosurgery technologies, supported by a compassionate, patient-first approach. As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations at Wiener Privatklinik (WPK), Dr David was invited to speak about our pivotal role in shaping the future of tumour care in Austria.

 

▶ Watch the full interview to hear Dr David share how we integrate innovation, medical expertise, and patient care to improve lives.

 

Why Patients Choose Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria

Our centre specialises in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)—a technique that delivers precisely focused radiation to tumours while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This advanced, non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery avoids the need for incisions, hospitalisation, or prolonged recovery.

As Dr David outlines, our approach to care is built on four key pillars:

    • Pinpoint Tumour Location
      We use advanced diagnostic imaging systems—including MRI, CT, and PET scans—to map tumours with millimetre-level accuracy.
    • Non-Invasive Treatment Delivery
      Our Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator delivers highly targeted radiation without any surgical intervention.
    • Rapid Access to Treatment
      With no long waiting lists, we offer same-day consultation and treatment planning, ensuring timely care.
    • Tailored Treatment Pathways
      Each patient benefits from a personalised care plan, based on their specific diagnosis and medical needs.

 

Our Centre Within WPK, Powered by Amethyst

Situated within Wiener Privatklinik (WPK)—Austria’s only private hospital—Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria merges WPK’s exceptional clinical environment with Amethyst’s expertise in advanced, non-invasive tumour care. As part of the Amethyst Healthcare Group—one of Europe’s largest and most experienced radiotherapy providers—we deliver internationally recognised cancer care standards with the personalised attention of a local specialist team.

 

Take the Next Step Towards Personalised Cancer Care

We are committed to offering bespoke cancer treatment tailored to each individual’s needs. From initial consultation to treatment and follow-up, every stage is guided by precision, compassion, and efficiency. Combining medical innovation with human understanding, our expert team provides rapid access to trusted, non-invasive tumour care in a calm, professional, and supportive environment you can rely on.

Cancer treatment radiotherapy - Traveler girl watching through airplane window

What Should You Do If You Are Travelling For Treatment?

Because there are a lot of different types of cancer, some of which are rarer than others, some people might be advised to travel to a specialist clinic, which could take them across the country, across the continent or even around the world.

Any clinic with a world-class specialist team will have a dedicated service for international patients to ensure that they can get the care, support and treatment they need without the added stress of independently organising travel documents, preparing accommodation or being away from their support network.

Not every clinic will have the level of expertise in stereotactic radiosurgery or TTFields treatment that our clinic in Austria does, and we not only tailor our treatment plans but will support you throughout with the help of our comprehensive multidisciplinary team.

If international travel is recommended, here are some tips to help you prepare your paperwork, your body and your mind for the trip.

Consult Your Doctor First

As with any medical decision, it is best to discuss any major medical decisions with your doctor first to ensure that this is the right decision for you.

A specialist clinic will need to contact them regardless to ensure that the treatment is in your best interests, and to gain access (with your permission) to relevant medical records, letters and the results of medical scans.

In some cases, it will be your doctor who recommends contacting the specialist clinic or helping you to reach out, but it is important regardless to have an open discussion with them to ensure that the treatment is right for you and to help with the initial stages.

In any case, it is vital to get a second opinion, particularly since your doctor will likely be involved with your care once you return home.

Research The Potential Treatment Clinic

Travelling abroad for treatment should be focused on the merits of the specialist clinic itself and not the beauty of the surroundings.

As beautiful as Vienna is and as wonderful a destination Austria is to travel to and enjoy in between treatment sessions, the focus of your visit is your treatment package and specialist care, and that is the priority when deciding on an international destination to have specialist cancer care.

There should be comprehensive information about the care you are to receive, openness and honesty in all communications regarding treatment outcomes and at least an outline in the initial stages regarding how your treatment will look.

There are several warning signs that a clinic may not be the best option, and any clinic that tries to pressure you with hard sales tactics into making a quick decision about your care without the information you need to make a clear, informed decision is a significant red flag.

Similarly, if there is no clear information surrounding your prognosis, the available care surrounding your treatment and any aftercare options following major procedures, that may be a warning sign.

Have A Video Consultation With The Specialists

Before travelling, make sure you have a distance consultation with the prospective specialists who will lead your treatment.

They will review your diagnosis, explore the specialist treatment options available to you, address any questions regarding the treatment and everything around the treatment, and ensure that you have as much information as possible to make an informed decision regarding treatment.

Typically, people who are consulting international specialists are exploring specific types of high-quality care and treatment, so a video consultation is essential to ensure that this clinic is the right choice.

A specialist clinic will be happy to answer any questions, provide proof of any credentials and showcase the facilities of the institution where you will be treated.

In some cases, it may be beneficial to have an in-person consultation, and a specialist clinic will help assist in organising the journey to the clinic and accommodation.

Arrange Documentation, Travel And Accommodation

If the specialist treatment is suitable for the type of cancer, the clinic will create an expected treatment timeline, and estimate the number of in-clinic sessions required and any additional care alongside this.

The clinic’s International Patient Centre will then help to arrange your journey, accommodation, visas for an extended medical stay and ensure that any family members or other members of your support team can stay with you during your treatment journey.

Your primary doctor will also provide advice regarding travel to and from the clinic, as well as make arrangements if you need a supply of prescription medication or accommodate particular travel needs that can arise as a result of cancer.

treatment pathway - Sick wife hugging husband

What Can You Expect When A Course Of Cancer Treatment Ends?

Much of the focus of cancer care and the treatment pathway tends to focus on what people should expect just before and during their treatment.

This allows them to prepare themselves, understand what they should expect from their treatment, what they should pack for any hospital stays, arrange for additional support and explore their options when it comes to continuing to work during the treatment period.

However, cancer care starts before the first day of treatment, and does not end after the last dose of radiotherapy or chemotherapy is completed. Both are huge adjustments and it is perfectly normal to feel a mixture of emotions once a course of treatment is completed and the cancer is destroyed or in remission.

With that in mind, here are some experiences you can expect at the end of your cancer treatment and what support is available to help you navigate a new chapter in your life.

It Is Normal To Feel Uncertain

A lot of people have reported that they feel somewhat uncertain if not lost following the end of their cancer treatment, and this is completely understandable.

Many cancer treatments take several months if not years from initial diagnosis to the final step of treatment, during which time you will have established a new routine and set of contacts within your cancer team as well as with your wider support network.

Once you get used to your treatment and how it feels, it can be odd to move on to the next stage of your life.

The first few months after treatment ends is a time of transition, and it is perfectly normal to not feel ready to move on, which is why it is best to look at the first few follow-up appointments as part of the treatment and keep in touch with your support network and your cancer team.

It Will Take Time To Recover

The end of cancer treatment is less of a sudden stop and more of a gradual slowdown, as there is a period of recovery following treatment that does take some time to get used to both physically and emotionally.

Your cancer team will let you know of the physical changes you may experience and what to expect from your recovery process. They will be there to provide support, refer you for additional treatment if required and provide advice on how best to manage your recovery.

Your support network that has been there during your treatment will also be there for your recovery as well. Unless they have also undergone cancer treatment or cared for someone who has, they may not realise what recovery and the end of treatment looks like and that you will still need support from them.

We believe that cancer care involves not only the primary treatment plan but everything else that helps improve physical health and mental well-being. This includes during the recovery process following treatment so there will always be professional support ready for you whenever you need it.

Follow-Ups Will Get Easier Over Time

Some cancer survivors have talked about “scanxiety” or a fear of tests following cancer treatment for fear that they might reveal that cancer has recurred.

This is a normal and common feeling, one that a cancer team will always be there to help with by providing facts, answering any questions you have and assuring you that they are always there to take care of you no matter what happens.

If you ever have a symptom that worries you, they will be there to provide advice about what you should expect and whether a particular sensation is a cause for further concern.

As you get used to how your body feels following treatment and with each passing follow-up appointment, that concern about recurrence will naturally reduce over time.

You Never Have To Suffer Alone

One of the most important aspects of the recovery process is that you should never have to feel like there is nobody you can talk to about your fears, concerns and frustrations. Beyond your support network and cancer team, there are a lot of services available, and the people who were there during treatment will be there for you now.

There are support groups, both in your local community and online who can provide support and a first-hand understanding of what it is like to go through cancer treatment, as well as therapists and counsellors who can help address any worries, anxiety or depression that has emerged.

There are a lot of services designed specifically for people going through the same or similar experiences to you, so you do not have to face this alone.