[29th April 2026]
We recently heard from someone who shared their experience of the, now closed, Glasgow Late Effects Service. We are very grateful to them for taking the time to reflect on the care, reassurance and support they received for their Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) symptoms. Their experience highlights just how vital these services are in the months and years following treatment.
“I would never have had a proper diagnosis [of PRD] if I hadn’t attended the Late Effects Team.
The whole team were wonderful.
Having made a great trouble-free recovery from surgery, chemo and radiotherapy, my problems 1 year or more after this weren’t thought to be related to pelvic radiation disease. Several investigations and blood tests by GP and specialists were negative and the source of abdominal pain and vomiting remained unknown. Referral to [the Late Effects Service] provided both a diagnosis by consultation and simple specific blood tests.
The whole team of doctor, nurse and dietician offered support, reassurance, and a means of overcoming the debilitating effects of symptoms I hadn’t even considered was related to the effects of pelvic radiation.
Great too that [the Late Effects Service] had a helpline and contact number even when patients are discharged.
More GPs need to be aware of the service and what expertise they offer, many haven’t heard of it.
Disappointed to hear about the funding and cuts to the service, it really is an essential branch of cancer recovery.”
Person living with Pelvic Radiation Disease
Closure of the Glasgow Late Effects Service
The Late Effects Service at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow provided specialist care for seven years to people living with the long term effects of cancer treatment. It was widely regarded as an effective and much needed service, supporting people to manage complex and often life altering symptoms caused by pelvic radiotherapy.
Its closure has had a significant impact on those who would otherwise have been able to access this expert support. The decision to close the service was made after charitable funding came to an end and no alternative funding was secured.
We are sharing this experience to help raise awareness of the ongoing needs of people living with the long term effects of cancer treatment, and to underline why sustainable funding and access to specialist late effects services are so important.
Support available to you
- We have put together a list of UK Late Effects Services that support people with Pelvic Radiation Disease.
- PRDA Support We have a number of support services available that are free to access for people in the UK living with PRD.
- Maggie’s are able to offer support to help manage worries, anxiety, and distress that you may experience following a cancer diagnosis and treatment. You can contact Maggie’s on 0300 123 1801 or via their email: enquires@maggies.org. There are also Maggie’s centres throughout the UK, no appointment is needed. You can simply pop in and meet with one of the team.
- Macmillan provide physical, emotional and financial support to help you live life as fully as you can.
Have your say
Is there something you’d like to share about the care you’ve received or your experience with PRD? Let us know via our have your say form.