The “What Does Radiotherapy Mean to You?” project created space for patients, loved ones, and professionals to reflect on and share their experiences of radiotherapy through creative expression. Launched in 2024, the project set out to capture the lived experiences of radiotherapy from multiple perspectives, encouraging deeper dialogue between patients, carers, researchers and clinicians.
Led by artist Liane Harris, the project brought together eight radiotherapy patients, two patients’ loved ones, two therapeutic radiographers, and one radiation researcher. Over the course of five online workshops, participants explored a range of creative methods including collage, photography, drawing, and poetry to express what radiotherapy meant to them. Each participant created multiple pieces of art and shared their personal reflections, culminating in a Celebration Event on 1st October 2024, where they gathered in person to commemorate their work and connect in person. Project participants described the creative process as therapeutic and empowering, and that it offered a way to process complex emotions and experiences. The workshops also fostered a strong sense of community, with attendees valuing the safe and inclusive environment that encouraged open expression.
What does radiotherapy mean to you?
Looking ahead, the RadNet PPIE team is exploring ways to further celebrate and preserve the project’s legacy. While plans are still evolving, the commitment to amplifying patient and public voices in radiotherapy research remains central. The project has provided a meaningful platform for reflection, creativity and dialogue around radiotherapy, highlighting the importance of personal experience in shaping understanding and connection. As the initiative develops further, the aim is for it to continue to inform how researchers, clinicians and communities engage with radiotherapy not only as a medical treatment but as a lived experience.
This project was funded by the CRUK RadNet CoL as well as CRUK City of London Major Centre.
Read this interview with Dr Lisa Whittaker (KCL) and Dr Samantha Terry (KCL) who won City of London Centre funding for this Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) initiative.
