A-Z of our Radiotherapy Care Box Contents
Updated: Oct 1
At CancerPal, we spend many hours identifying and researching the products we include in our Radiotherapy Care Boxes. Here we explain why each item has been chosen and how it can help to ease the side effects of radiotherapy treatment.
Chocolate Truffles
When a loved one is going through treatment, it can be overwhelming and exhausting for them. Everyone likes a little treat when they're feeling under the weather so these salted caramel truffles make the perfect little pick me up so that your loved one can treat themselves when they feel like it. These Cocoba handcrafted truffles make the perfect indulgent treat for your loved one, they are meticulously crafted using only the finest ingredients.
One of the most common side effects of radiotherapy treatment is fatigue and radiotherapy related fatigue can often bring with it brain fog, or cancer-related cognitive impairment. It can cause difficulties with memory, concentration, and thinking clearly. These cognitive changes can be frustrating and impact daily life. It is for this reason we have included this GO2 focus inhaler stick which is designed to help increase focus and concentration levels by increasing breathing and stimulating memory function. With a 100% natural essential oil blend using rosemary, added to support memory function, peppermint to stimulate the mind and help with focus, and lime added to lift both body and mind, this pocket size inhaler stick will help your loved one with any concentration issues they may be experiencing.
One of the most common side effects of radiotherapy is fatigue. The fatigue is likely to get worse as your loved one progresses through their treatment. This soothing gel beads eye mask is reusable and can be cooled in the fridge or heated in the microwave and is ideal for soothing tired eyes from radiotherapy induced fatigue as well as the general stresses and strains that cancer brings. Fitted with adjustable straps and with soft fabric on the reverse, the mask is designed with comfort in mind.
Gel Beads Migraine Wrap
Radiotherapy related fatigue and the increased stress and anxiety that cancer brings can often cause headaches. This reusable gel beads migraine wrap can be heated in the microwave for warmth of chilled in the fridge for cold application. The headband is filled with soft and flexible gel beads that easily conform to the contours of the body for optimum coverage and comfort and is particularly beneficial to soothe headaches, migraines and minor sinus pain.
Your loved one will need plenty of rest during radiotherapy treatment and this handmade mini ipad Beanbag makes a cute and thoughtful gift idea. It's perfect for helping your loved one get comfortable and rest whilst watching something on a tablet or iPad. It is adjustable to mould to the surface it is put onto so is highly adaptable. It is great for reducing the anterior neck posture which can strain the joints and the muscles of the neck and upper back when viewing electronic devices.
Lindi Skin is a US skincare line designed specifically for the unique needs of people with the most compromised skin when undergoing cancer treatment. Their safe, gentle, clinically-proven skincare products are unlike anything you've ever tried. Lindi Skin Body Lotion is specifically formulated to deliver a combination of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients that nourish the skin while reinforcing its natural barrier to prevent moisture loss. Lindi Skin Body Lotion has been clinically proven to decrease skin issues associated with cancer treatmentIt and makes the perfect gift for a loved one who may be experiencing the skin issue from radiotherapy treatment.
Lindi Skin Body Wash provides the perfect relief for radiotherapy related skin issues. This Lindi Skin Body Wash can be used in place of soap to help manage dry, flaky skin that can result from radiotherapy treatment. This gentle, non-foaming formula has a light citrus scent and moisturises as it cleans. It works to protect and promote your skin's natural defences while gently cleansing. Lindi Skin Body Wash is a unique daily body wash with moisturising ingredients that cling to your skin after rinsing. You'll feel the difference after just one use. The gentle, non-foaming formula feels luxurious as it refreshes the body and scalp.
Skin can need a little extra help if it's damaged from radiotherapy treatment. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water is a mineral rich, soothing and antioxidant packed spray designed to instantly calm, refresh and soften sensitive or irritated skin. La Roche-Posay products help moisturise and comfort sensitive skin and are suitable for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Many people going through radiotherapy treatment like to use natural products and this MooGoo Deodorant is an aluminium-free, fragrance free, natural, roll-on deodorant, suitable for the most sensitive skin. The unique, slightly alkaline formula, works by allowing perspiration (which is odourless) but preventing odour causing bacteria from growing. No bacteria = no smell.
Skin can become sensitive and sore when going through radiotherapy treatment and it can be beneficial to use gentle products, suitable for sensitive skin. MooGoo Natural Milk Wash is a low-irritant, natural cleansing formula for the face and body that washes well without drying out the skin.
MooGoo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream is used in oncology hospitals and clinics across Australia as a moisturising cream for dry and damaged skin following radiotherapy treatment. MooGoo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream is a lightweight moisturiser that easily sinks into skin. Made with natural oils like Sweet Almond & Olive Oil, its full of natural healthy ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Natural Vitamin E and Milk Protein which help to increase skin elasticity.
Colloidal Oatmeal is a centuries-old topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions and has been clinically proven as beneficial for radiotherapy skincare. This Oatsoak Colloidal Oatmeal can be added to warm bath water as a relaxing natural soak. It is a natural skin cleanser and can help to relieve itchy, dry skin as well as soothing skin that is inflamed skin from radiotherapy treatment. Providing deep moisturisation, colloidal oatmeal helps to lock in moisture and to create a protective layer.
Skin reactions are common during radiotherapy treatment and your loved one may be advised to use simple, unscented skincare products. This gorgeous bar of traditional, handmade, cold-pressed soap is as simple as it gets. Wonderfully gentle and moisturising, there is nothing extra added - no artificial colourings, scents or preservatives and is a practical and thoughtful gift for a loved one going through radiotherapy treatment.
One Day at a Time Heart
Many people underestimate radiotherapy treatment, but it's tough. Many people have daily sessions for several weeks, and the exhaustion and skin reactions build up cumulatively over that time and are likely to continue after treatment has finished. This simple but beautiful heart ornament will remind your loved one that they will get through this.
Peppermint is well known for easing nausea, which many people experience during radiotherapy treatment — especially if having radiotherapy to the abdominal or pelvic area. We've specifically chosed Peppersmith English Peppermint Mints because they contain xylitol which helps stimulate saliva production, offering some relief from dry mouth which patients may experience when undergoing radiotherapy treatment to the head or neck area.
Radiotherapy treatment often disrupts sleep, whether from hospital visits, discomfort, or simply the exhaustion that builds up over the course of treatment, and rest becomes something that needs to be actively protected rather than assumed. This luxurious satin sleep mask will encourage your loved one to rest during the day, blocking out light for a nap on the sofa.
A cancer diagnosis is stressful and this self heating eye mask is a pampering treat for anyone going through radiotherapy. The soothing jasmin scent, combined with the gentle heat and blackout properties can help relax tense, tired eyes.
General physical tiredness and weakness from radiotherapy treatment can manifest as a heavy aching feeling throughout the body. This comforting, microwaveable shoulder wrap is shaped to gently mould to the contours of the shoulders and help take away the stresses of the day. When warmed in the microwave, the wrap produces therapeutic heat to ease tension, soothe aches and pains and encourage relaxation.
The Lindi Skin radiotherapy skincare cooler pad has been specifically created to help soothe radiation burns. The hydro-gel cooler pad provides on-the-spot cooling relief and moisturising effects thanks to aloe vera and green tea in its formula.
This luxurious aromatherapy soy wax candle is the perfect way to encourage a loved one to take some time to rest and relax, especially if they are suffering from radiotherapy related fatigue. Candle light can also be gentler on the eyes than harsh bulblight if your loved is experiencing tension or fatigue related headaches. A gorgeous blend of Ylang Ylang, May Chang, Lavender, Rosemary & Cedar pure essential oils will help to calm and relax the mind and spirit.
Sparkling Fruit Drink
Skin issues are a common side effect of radiotherapy treatment and so it’s really important that your loved one keeps their skin as healthy as possible before and during treatment. Skin contains 30% water and there is clinical evidence to show that staying hydrated from the inside could be as effective as applying a topical moisturiser to the skin. In order to encourage your loved one to keep hydrated, we’ve included a can of delicious lightly sparkling, juice drink which is naturally sweet with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Flawsome drinks are made in the UK using surplus and wonky fruit sourced from farms across Europe.
It's important to keep skin moisturised and hydrated during radiotherapy treatment. One way to keep skin hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Skin contains 30% water and one study has shown that staying hydrated from the inside could be as effective as applying a topical moisturiser to your skin. These insulated water bottles are perfect to help your loved one stay hydrated and will keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy treatment and this gorgeously soft and comforting woollen blanket is sure to come in handy if your loved one is resting on the sofa or relaxing in bed. Made from 100% pure New Wool, this warm and cosy, blanket will wrap your loved one in love and gentle hugs.
We hope this gives you an idea of what can help make radiotherapy side effects more manageable for your loved one. Every product in our Radiotherapy Care Boxes is carefully researched and chosen to offer a real benefit — so you can give a thoughtful and practical gift that will actually help.
View our full range of Radiotherapy Care Boxes here.
