The majority of patients undergoing proton beam therapy tolerate it very well. At Proton International London (PIL), many cancer patients experience minimal side effects, such as mild fatigue or a temporary loss of energy, while receiving treatment.
A typical proton beam therapy treatment session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. Patients are usually scheduled for treatment five consecutive days a week, over a period of up to 8 weeks. This leaves plenty of time during the day for patients to explore and enjoy the city of London.
Is there anything you shouldn’t do while having proton beam therapy?
While the side effects of proton beam therapy are minimal, there are some key points and possible side effects you may want to consider when planning your free time.
Avoid driving right after the treatment – Following the treatment at the pbt centre, we advise all patients to wait up to an hour before they do any kind of driving. This is to ensure that you are not disoriented or feeling lethargic, have full control over your senses, are fully operational and mentally as well as physically alert.
Avoid going back to work right away – although you may be staying in London for a while, it is generally not advisable to return to work right after you get back home. Following PBT (proton beam therapy) treatment, you may experience some eye strain, and so, it is best not to return to an environment for at least a week where your eyes could potentially be subjected to strain.
Do not rub or scratch your treated skin – Following treatment, wear lose-fitting and comfortable clothes, and resist the urge to scratch or rub the skin around the treatment site, even if you experience an itchy or uncomfortable feeling.
Exercise and remain physically active but also take it easy – Exercise and physical activity are both known to increase energy levels during cancer treatment. It can also improve your quality of life and help mitigate any mental health conditions you may be experiencing due to treatment.
However, it’s always good to not exert yourself too much, so take it easy in the gym for a while and engage in activities that are both fun and engaging, as well as moderately challenging. It can really help improve your general well-being.
Additionally, if you enjoy swimming, avoid swimming in chlorinated water as the chlorine can irritate your skin.
If you are having chemotherapy with proton beam therapy – you may experience more side effects and need to be more careful about additional activities, as you may be more tired and have a suppressed immune system. You can discuss with your doctor about what is safe and reasonable for you to do.
Can you leave the proton beam therapy centre during treatment?
Yes, you are free to explore London once your daily proton beam therapy treatment is complete.
Prior to commencing treatment, we’ll provide a daily treatment plan with session times, so you can plan your days accordingly.
Here’s a guide to attractions near our radiotherapy centre in London:
Activities to do in London between proton treatment sessions
London is full of exciting things to do, from historic landmarks to shopping, theatres, and art galleries. Below are some great ways to enjoy the city.
Explore London’s culture and history
London is a city steeped in culture and rich history.
Iconic sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace offer glimpses into the city’s royal past, while museums and historic neighbourhoods tell the story of London’s influence on art, science, and politics throughout the centuries.
London is home to a diverse range of museums, offering something for every interest.
Here’s a selection of some you might want to explore:
- National History Museum – Famous for its architecture and exhibits, the Natural History Museum showcases everything from dinosaur skeletons to rare gems.
- Science Museum – A hands-on experience for all ages, the Science Museum delves into scientific advancements and technology, from space exploration to medical breakthroughs.
- V & A Museum – The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a world-renowned centre for art and design. Exhibits range from fashion and textiles to sculpture and photography.
- London Transport Museum – A unique museum about London’s iconic transport systems, from vintage buses to the Underground.
Shopping in London
From Oxford Street to Covent Garden and Bond Street to Westfield, shopping in London is hard to beat, with districts full of flagship stores and cobbled courtyards showcasing local designers.
Whatever your budget, London offers an incredible shopping experience.
Visit the parks of London
London’s Royal Parks are some of the most iconic in the UK, offering access to hundreds of acres of parkland where you can discover a wide range of activities.
Hyde Park is known for its major annual events and happens to be home to beautiful gardens as well as children’s playgrounds, historic monuments, and sports facilities.
Richmond Park covers a stunning 2,500 acres and houses some of the most ancient trees in London, along with beautiful herds of deer and the Isabella Plantation, a 40-acre woodland garden established in the 1830s and set within a Victorian plantation.
Tour London by bus
Bus tours are an excellent way to discover London’s landmarks. These may include a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Tower of London. It’s a great way to check out London’s best highlights.
From sightseeing tours of London’s top landmarks to movie tours, night-time tours and even afternoon tea tours, there are plenty of options available.
Connect with a support group
During your stay in London for proton beam therapy treatment, there are many ways you can get practical support and advice, including:
- A psychology team who will listen to you and help you explore as well as clarify your thoughts around the feelings and experience of proton beam therapy treatment.
- Complementary therapies through diet and nutritional advice.
- Proton Internal London (PIL) can assist you with all of the above, and if we can’t, we’ll refer you to a leading group that can provide you with all the cancer support you need. These may include the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Reframe Cancer Support, IASO, Macmillan Cancer Support, UCLH, Cancer Support UK, and more.
Enjoy London’s diverse food scene
Anybody visiting or staying in London must explore the city’s vibrant and diverse food scene.
Some of the restaurants and food places you may want to visit include:
- Dishoom Restaurant (Indian)
- Borough Market (London’s historic food market)
- The Muffin Man Tea Shop (Traditional English Tea)
- The Lamb and Flag (Traditional English Pub)
- Chop Chop (Chinese)
Family-Friendly Things to Do in London
London is packed with family-friendly activities and there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. The accommodation we offer provides the perfect base for exploring the city.
Here are some top attractions for families with children who may be being treated with proton beam therapy:
- London Eye: Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel offers 360° views of the city.
- Big Ben: A guided tour of this iconic landmark showcases its history.
- Tower Bridge: Explore the glass-floored walkway, and museum, and watch the bridge lift for passing boats.
- SEA LIFE London: Visit London’s top aquarium.
- London Zoo: Discover animals from around the world, including lions and penguins.
- Shrek’s Adventure!: Enjoy interactive shows, puzzles, and a magical 4D bus ride through Far Far Away.
- Madame Tussauds: Get up close with lifelike wax figures of actors, musicians, and even superheroes at this iconic museum.
About proton beam therapy at Proton International London
Proton beam therapy offers precise targeting of tumours, delivering radiation directly to the cancer site while sparing nearby healthy tissues and critical structures. This precision helps protect vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, when treating cancers near these areas and safeguards neurological functions, like speech and memory, in brain or skull-based tumours.
Proton therapy also reduces radiation exposure for patients who have previously undergone radiotherapy, minimising side effects in recurrent cases, and is especially beneficial for children by limiting long-term effects on developing tissues and organs.
Need more advice? Get in touch
Our friendly and caring team at Proton International London is always available for advice and support, whether that be advising where’s good to visit or answering your questions about proton beam therapy treatment.
Contact us now to learn more on 0203 9255 885 or fill out our contact form.
