A-Z of our Radiotherapy Care Box Contents
- CancerPal
- Aug 7
- 8 min read
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 feel very 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. We have carefully selected this tray of six hand-crafted chocolate truffles with a delicious salted caramel filling. These Cocoba handcrafted truffles make the perfect indulgent treat for your loved one, they are meticulously crafted using only the finest ingredients.
Focus Inhaler Stick
Brain fog, or cancer-related cognitive impairment, is a common side effect of cancer treatment, including radiotherapy. It can cause difficulties with memory, concentration, and thinking clearly. These cognitive changes can be frustrating and impact daily life. While some individuals may experience subtle changes, others may have more significant difficulties with memory and concentration. The severity and duration of brain fog can vary depending on factors like the type and location of treatment, age, and overall health. 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.
Gel Beads Eye Mask
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 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. For added benefit, the band is fragranced with lavender, sweet orange and geranium to help your loved one relax, unwind and feel the stress melt away.
Gel Beads Migraine Wrap
Headaches can be a side effect of some cancer treatment or can simply be caused by the increased stress and anxiety that cancer brings. Hot and cold therapies are a great natural pain relief and often used to treat a variety of different issues. As a general rule cold therapy is used to help with acute pain, inflammation and swelling. This Gel Beads migraine wrap can help soothe some of the headache discomfort which can be caused by radiotherapy treatment.
iPad Beanbag
This handmade mini beanbag is perfect for helping your loved one to 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 Skincare Body Lotion
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. Light, refreshing and luxurious, Lindi Skin Body Lotion is superb for all-over, everyday use. Lindi Skin Body Lotion has been clinically proven to decrease skin issues associated with cancer treatment*. Thanks to its unique formula, Lindi Skin Body Lotion can be used to help manage the dry, flaky skin and itch that can result from radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or any type of sensitive skin. This gentle, refreshing lotion can be used all over our body and its fast-absorbing formula it is intended for maximum comfort. It makes the perfect gift for a loved one who may be experiencing the side effects from radiotherapy treatment.
Lindi Skincare Body Wash
Lindi Skin Body Wash provides the perfect relief for radiotherapy burns, chemotherapy rash, or sensitive skin. This Lindi Skin Body Wash can be used in place of soap to help manage dry, flaky skin that can result from cancer 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. This 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.
MEME Radiotherapy Care Mist
MEME Radiotherapy Care Mist is an ionised care mist that relieves sensitive skin and burning sensations caused by radiotherapy, restores the skin barrier and removes all impurities from the skin. The skin of your body and your face can sometimes need soothing and softness especially if it is overheated by radiotherapy, dehydrated and damaged by chemotherapy or targeted therapies or simply very dry and atopic. In a single step, MEME Radiotherapy Care Mist soothes the burning sensations of the skin, particularly those caused by successive sessions of radiotherapy. The spray nozzle delivers a fine mist for an even application on the face, the bust or any other area of the body that needs softness and soothing.
MooGoo Deodorant
Many people going through cancer treatment like to use natural products and this MooGoo Natural Sensitive Deodorant is an aluminium-free, fragrance free, natural, roll-on deodorant. The unique, slightly alkaline formula, works by allowing perspiration (which is odourless) but preventing odour causing bacteria from growing. No bacteria = no smell.
MooGoo Milk Wash
Skin can become sensitive and sore when going through cancer treatment and it can be beneficial to use gentle products, suitable for sensitive skin. MooGoo Natural Milk Wash is a low-irritant, natural cleanser formula for the face and body that washes well without drying out the skin. MooGoo Milk Wash combines small amounts of five different natural cleaners as this can be gentler on skin than one concentrated cleanser. The foaming action isn’t quite as intense as it would if they used a synthetic detergent like SLS (or other common culprits) but they’re happy to make this small trade-off to use more natural ingredients that are healthier for us and the environment.
MooGoo Skin Milk Udder Cream
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. 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 chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. MooGoo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream can be used by everyone, everywhere. - use on face & body, all ages and skin types.
Oatsoak Colloidal Oatmeal
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.
Organic Unscented Soap Bar
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. The soap bar is approximately 100g and contains just Organic Coconut Oil, Lye and Organic Cocoa Butter – that’s it! It is a great practical and thoughtful gift for a loved one going through radiotherapy treatment.
One Day at a Time Heart
Radiotherapy treatment is tough and this simple but beautiful heart ornament will remind your loved one that they can will get through this.
Peppermint Xylitol Mints
Patients may feel nauseous during radiotherapy treatment either from the treatment itself or from the fatigue that accompanies the treatment. Mint is well known for easing nausea and we’ve specifically chosen Peppersmith Peppermint flavoured mints because they contain Xylitol. Sucking Xylitol mints can help to relieve a dry mouth that many people experience when undergoing radiotherapy treatment to the head or neck area.
Satin Sleep Mask
Radiotherapy related fatigue can bring with it a sensitivity to light and this luxury satin sleep mask can be used to block out light and help your loved one rest and relax.
Self Heating Eye Mask
A cancer diagnosis is stressful. From the moment you open the Spacemask and put it on, you will be temptingly invited on a journey of relaxation. Spacemasks make a great, indulgent treat for anyone facing the stress of a cancer diagnosis.
Shoulder Wrap
Aches and pains are a common side effect of cancer. Cold and heat therapy are great natural ways to ease aches and pains, soothe sore muscles and aid relaxation. This luxury, lavender scented, microwaveable wheat pack is ideal for shoulder and neck pain relief.
Cold therapy can help reduce swelling and body temperature. Using warm is ideal for relaxation, helping to increase circulation, relieve pain from arthritis, stiffness, whiplash, aches and tenderness. Using cold helps reduce swelling and fevers.
Skincare Cooler Pad
The Lindi 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.
Soy Wax Candle
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 in 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 strawberry and apple, lightly sparkling, juice drink. Made with sun-kissed strawberries, crisp apples and sparkling water, this drink 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.
Water Bottle
One of the most important ways to keep your skin hydrated during treatment 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 Water Bottles are perfect to help you stay hydrated and will keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.
Woolen Blanket
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy treatment and this gorgeously soft and comforting 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. British made and machine washable. Pure new wool is a natural fibre, and is also completely renewable, so as long as there is grass to graze on, every year sheep will produce new fleece.
We hope this article offers an insight into some of the things that can be done to help manage the side effects of radiotherapy more manageable and comfortable. We have put in a lot of care and thought into the selection of products we include in our care boxes to make it as simple as possible for you to offer support to a loved one if you are unable to be there in person.
You can view our full range of Radiotherapy Care Boxes here.
