Amethyst Healthcare Acquired by Fremman

Amethyst Healthcare Group Enters Growth Chapter with Acquisition by Fremman Capital

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Amethyst Radiotherapy Group (“Amethyst”), a leading pan-European provider of cancer care services, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Fremman Capital, a pan-European mid-market private equity firm. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Amethyst’s journey and sets the stage for accelerated expansion and innovation across the European oncology landscape.

Founded in 2010, Amethyst has become one of the largest independent radiotherapy providers in Europe. Operating 19 cutting-edge cancer treatment centers across France, Poland, Romania, the UK, Italy, and Austria, Amethyst treats more than 50,000 patients annually. The Group delivers a comprehensive suite of oncology services — primarily radiotherapy — through a dedicated team of over 500 healthcare professionals and in collaboration with nearly 100 partner physicians.

As part of the transaction, Fremman Capital will acquire a majority stake in Amethyst, while the company’s founding shareholders and The Rohatyn Group will fully exit their investment. Fremman brings deep experience in healthcare and a strong track record of scaling essential service providers across Europe, making them a natural partner to support Amethyst’s long-term vision.

This partnership with Fremman marks a new era of opportunity for Amethyst,” said Stéphane Carré, CEO of Amethyst Radiotherapy Group.

“Their expertise in healthcare and long-term investment philosophy aligns perfectly with our mission: to deliver advanced, accessible cancer care to more people, in more places. With their support, we will continue investing in cutting-edge technologies, expanding our footprint both organically and through partnerships and M&A, making a difference in the lives of patients and families across Europe.”

 

Amethyst has built a strong reputation for clinical excellence, operating nearly 40 state-of-the-art linear accelerators — the primary technology used in modern radiotherapy — and forming long-standing partnerships with public health systems to ensure the equitable delivery of life-saving care.

The radiotherapy market continues to show strong growth, driven by rising cancer incidence and increasing recognition of radiotherapy as a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option with minimal side effects. Fremman’s investment underscores the strength of Amethyst’s model and its leadership position in this critical area of cancer care.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming months, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

 

About Amethyst Radiotherapy
Amethyst is a leading European cancer care provider specialising in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and diagnostic imaging. With operations in six countries and 19 centers, Amethyst combines clinical excellence with patient-centered care to improve access to oncology treatment across Europe. The Group partners closely with public healthcare systems, delivering services under reimbursement-based models.

About Fremman

Fremman Capital is a pan-European, mid-market investment firm with offices in London, Luxembourg, Paris, Madrid, and Munich. The firm partners with ambitious management teams to help transform businesses into multinational sustainable leaders, particularly in sectors essential to society such as healthcare, technology, and business services.

For more information: www.fremman.com

Media Contact:
Sophie Ward
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: +44 208 713 0460
Organisation Website: www.amethysthealthcare.com

gamma knife radiosurgery - Gamma Knife in the department of radiology

How Should You Get Ready For Your Gamma Knife Treatment?

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A lot of the preparation for a Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatment is undertaken by your specialist radiotherapy team to ensure that your treatment is as effective, comfortable and comprehensive as is safely possible.

In terms of radiotherapy treatments, Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery is one of the oldest, one of the most precise and one of the most effective treatments for a wide range of brain conditions from primary and secondary cancer to trigeminal neuralgia and other types of brain tumours.

The effectiveness of the treatment and the ability to precisely target specific parts of the brain means that treatment can typically be completed in one day. Unlike conventional surgery, most people who undergo Gamma Knife treatments can go home the same day.

There are some basic preparations to make first, in order to ensure that the treatment is as simple as possible, and most of these are similar to those for any other type of surgery or medical procedure.

Referral And Consultation

The first steps will involve a referral by a doctor and a meeting with a radiation oncologist who will oversee your treatment, check your medical history and run tests to determine if it is the right option for you, often working with your multidisciplinary team to develop a complete treatment plan.

Ultimately, whilst an MDT and specialist oncologists can recommend treatments, the final choice will be yours and you will be supported throughout the planning and decision-making process.

Once you agree, we will arrange for the treatment to be undertaken at a time to suits you, discuss the next steps, look at the treatment room with you and have the chance to answer any questions you may have.

Before The Day Of Treatment

You will need someone to take you to the radiotherapy centre on the day of the treatment and back home, so make sure to make suitable arrangements to ensure you have someone with you. They will be there to take you home and make sure you have everything you need before and after treatment.

Your oncologist will let you know what medications you should take the night before and in the morning.

You should wash your hair, but avoid using anything other than shampoo in your hair if you tend to use conditioner or topical solutions as part of your hair care routine.

Avoid putting on makeup, take out any piercings that you can so they do not interfere with MRI scans and opt for loose-fitting clothing. You want to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Planning And Preparation

Depending on the appointment and type of treatment, the first step when you arrive for your Gamma Knife treatment will involve preparing you for the treatment, the final imaging scans and the final planning process.

Because Gamma Knife is typically a one-day procedure, the planning is often done the day of your treatment because precision is key and the closer the scans are to the treatment, the more accurate it will be.

You should not eat after midnight the night of the treatment in order to settle your stomach.

Fitting The Gamma Knife Frame Or Mask

Depending on the treatment you are having, you will either have a lightweight metal frame or a plastic mesh mask fitted tightly to your face or head.

If a frame is being fitted, you will receive four shots of local anaesthetic to numb parts of your head so the frame can be fitted. This part will not be painful but might feel tight for a few minutes.

This is often done during the imaging process, and you will get a chance to relax in another room. Whilst the treatment is painless, sedation is available to help you relax as well, and throughout the treatment process, you will be able to talk to your doctors at any time.

Gamma Knife Treatment

When it is time for the treatment, the frame will be fitted to the bed of the Gamma Knife machine and the plan will start as soon as both you and the doctors are ready.

The treatment itself can last between 20 minutes and four hours depending on the nature and complexity of the treatment, but you will be told beforehand how long you should expect treatment to take.

As it is not a surgical treatment, you may hear a chime, a bell or just be told directly that the treatment is completed, whilst the radiotherapist will take off the mask or frame and apply a bandage to your head.

What Happens After Radiotherapy Treatment Is Completed?

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A comprehensive cancer treatment neither begins nor ends with the course of radiotherapy, and a private clinic will often provide a comprehensive group of primary treatments as well as therapeutic support, advice and a specialist focus on day-to-day care.

Because of this, cancer treatment typically begins from the moment a test, screen, biopsy or set of symptoms suggests that you might have cancer, with a multidisciplinary team forming to support your doctor and primary care team in developing a comprehensive treatment pathway.

During this time, not only will your primary treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy be planned and undertaken, but you will be provided with rehabilitation before, during and after treatment to ensure that it works as effectively as possible and that people are supported at every part of their treatment journey.

The end of a primary treatment can often bring questions, concerns and challenges, and whilst life post-radiotherapy will look very different depending on the type of treatment, here are some common elements to expect following radiotherapy.

A Holistic Needs Assessment

The end of the primary treatment is not often the end of the need for support, and with that in mind, many clinics have some kind of holistic needs assessment.

It is not always known by this name, but a holistic needs assessment is an exploration of all of the ways in which cancer and the treatment for it have affected a person, as well as identifying areas of concern beyond any lingering treatment effects.

Not all clinics or doctors undertake a holistic needs assessment in the same way, but it typically consists of either a series of questions or a checklist, a discussion of the answers by a member of the cancer team, and the creation of a personalised care and support plan.

This is not only helpful for providing targeted support and treatment following primary care, but it helps to provide reassurance that the team will still be there to help even following the end of radiotherapy.

Treatment Summary And Next Steps

Once the course of treatment is completed, a summary of the entire pathway is often provided.

This provides information not only on all the treatment sessions that have already been completed but also all of the follow-up information needed going forward.

This includes expectations of lingering symptoms, any possible new symptoms to report to a member of the cancer team, contact details for the cancer team and any key workers, as well as details of follow-up appointments and tests.

Follow-Up Appointments

Following the end of treatment, there will be continued appointments with a member of the cancer team. These are known as follow-up appointments and will regularly take place at first, although in some cases they can become less frequent.

As well as this, a person’s primary care doctor will also be provided a complete treatment report and can also provide more general help and support for recovery, managing symptoms and making additional referrals whilst necessary.

They will also help with any follow-up prescriptions for medications to manage symptoms.

A Change To A New Routine

Radiotherapy treatment can sometimes consist of a single procedure, such as is commonly the case with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which uses a series of focused beams and a computer-guided system to provide precisely focused beams of radiation.

In other cases, however, it can consist of weeks or months of regular treatment that can range from every weekday to two or three times a week depending on the timetable for treatment and the number of radiation doses required.

Whilst this is a disruption to a routine that takes time and support to get used to, the end of the course of treatment can in many cases feel just as disruptive.

This is normal, and many people have mixed feelings following the end of treatment, as they make adjustments and return to a normal life whilst taking care of the treatment area and managing fatigue that can often result.

Additional Support

Following treatment, the cancer team can signpost support services in the area that can help, whether as part of a holistic needs assessment or as part of more ad-hoc advice.

A lot of people have had similar experiences with treatment and will often form or take part in support groups in local areas to create a community that helps uplift each other or take part in activities together to assist with mental and physical health.

Recovery looks very different to different people, and it is okay for it to be a gradual process with some good days and some bad days. Eventually, there will be far more of the former than the latter, and life will return to a new normal.

How Radiotherapy Is Used To Treat Secondary Cancer

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The private cancer treatment we offer is always geared toward the needs of the individual, which goes beyond simply offering various approaches for different types of cancer.

Everybody is different due to factors such as age, genetics and family history. This can mean the way cancer manifests in one patient has some differences to that of another who has the same essential diagnosis. At the same time, you may want to have a significant say in treatment options, and your choices could be different from others.

An area of significant variation between patients is the area of secondary cancer. Primary cancer is defined as the initial location where the cancer begins. For example, breast cancer can begin in tissue in the mammary glands, brain cancer in a tumour in part of the brain and so on.

If it is diagnosed early, there is often a very good prospect of treating the cancer early before it can spread and ensuring the patient is cancer-free. This may depend on the kind of cancer it is and its location.

Secondary Cancer Defined

However, what can also happen is the cancer spreads to other areas of the body. The technical term for this is metastasis, commonly known as secondary cancer.

What this means is that cancer is now present beyond the original area where it began, even if it is no longer present in its original site. One one of the most obvious examples of this is breast cancer, which may be present in other parts of the body even after a mastectomy, due to it spreading before the operation took place.

It is important to note there is a distinction between secondary cancer – where the initial cancer has spread – and second primary cancer, which is when a patient has two cancers in different parts of the body that are independent of each other.

The reason this distinction is important is that in secondary cancer, the cancerous cells are of the same kind wherever they are found, so a lung cancer cell is still that if, for example, it spreads to the brain. If the patient was also suffering from brain cancer, that would be a second primary cancer.

Furthermore, there is a kind of secondary cancer that is classed as being of unknown primary, which means metastasis has taken place, but the place of origin has not been established. This is uncommon and only accounts for around two per cent of cancers diagnosed each year.

Treatment Options For Secondary Cancer

Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat secondary cancers alongside other forms of treatment. The treatments that are used may vary depending on what kind of secondary cancer is present, alongside other medical factors such as age and broader health.

For example, secondary bone cancer may be treated in several ways, which include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and certain targeted drugs. In secondary breast cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy may also be used, as well as bone-strengthening drugs if the cancer has spread to the bones.

Some kinds of secondary cancer can be treated in a large number of ways. For instance, secondary liver cancer can be treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, but also surgery, tumour ablation, embolisation and targeted therapy.

These options will depend on the kind of cancer present. For instance, with liver cancer, surgery is only an option in a small number of cases, usually secondary bowel cancer or neuroendocrine tumours.

By its very nature, secondary cancer is a very broad topic area, as it covers many different primary cancer types, each of which may spread to multiple areas of the body, with various effects and different implications for treatment.

For example, if a cancer spreads to the brain from elsewhere in the body, the way radiotherapy is used will often be different to a situation where another area is affected. Because of the need to protect brain tissue from radiation exposure as much as possible, stereotactic radiosurgery will often be the best treatment option.

Keeping Treatment Individual

Because there are so many ways in which secondary cancer can manifest itself and such a variety of treatment options that are contingent on many different factors, there will never be a one-size-fits-all approach.

For that reason, if you have secondary cancer, you will be kept well-informed and advised about everything that is understood about your condition and will be able to play a full collaborative role in making decisions about your treatment.

As an individual whose medical situation will be different to anyone else’s, we will always aim at the best course for you in accordance with your wishes.

Inside Amethyst Healthcare’s PPP Strategy with CEO Stephane Carre

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In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) represent more than just a financial model—they serve as a cornerstone for innovation, increased access, and long-term sustainability. Amethyst Healthcare Group, under the leadership of CEO Stéphane Carré, is championing this approach. In a recent interview with The CEO Magazine, Carré detailed how Amethyst is strategically leveraging PPPs to deliver cutting-edge cancer care to more patients across Europe.

The Role of PPPs in Modern Healthcare

Healthcare systems across Europe are grappling with a dual pressure: tightening budgets and rising demand for services. PPPs present a viable solution by combining the reach and reliability of public institutions with the agility and technological edge of private enterprise. When executed effectively, these partnerships can enhance service quality, increase efficiency, and broaden patient access.

Amethyst has been a firm advocate of this collaborative model since its inception. Through enduring partnerships with hospitals and public health organizations, the company provides advanced radiotherapy services—relieving pressure on public resources while ensuring high standards of patient care. This alignment results in a dual benefit: enhanced healthcare delivery for patients and sustainable models for providers.

Expanding Access Through Real-World Impact

One notable example of Amethyst’s PPP success is its collaboration with Centre Hospitalier de Troyes in France. By managing the hospital’s radiotherapy unit, Amethyst enables the facility to offer cutting-edge treatments without requiring a substantial capital outlay. This approach removes financial and operational barriers, significantly improving access to lifesaving care—especially in underserved regions.

In the UK, the company’s acquisition of Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London brought advanced Gamma Knife technology to both private and NHS patients. Since 2023, patient numbers at the center have doubled, underscoring how PPPs can rapidly enhance treatment capacity and introduce breakthrough technologies into public healthcare frameworks.

Driving Innovation While Sharing Risk

One of the key advantages of PPPs is the ability to introduce innovation without placing the entire financial or operational burden on public systems. Amethyst’s model epitomizes this principle. By investing in and managing radiotherapy centers on behalf of public institutions, the Group delivers excellence in care with a streamlined, patient-focused approach.

This model not only facilitates faster adoption of advanced technology but also enhances overall service quality—reducing waiting times, minimizing inefficiencies, and improving patient outcomes.

Scaling for Sustainable Impact

Since 2020, Amethyst has recorded an 84% increase in the number of patients treated annually, including a 70.1% rise in NHS-referred patients. These figures highlight more than just growth—they reflect the potential of PPPs to sustainably expand healthcare capacity and ease the burden on national systems like the NHS.

Looking ahead, Amethyst plans to scale its operations to 50 clinics and over 100 linear accelerators across Europe. This ambitious expansion is firmly anchored in its PPP-driven strategy, which remains a central pillar of the Group’s vision for the future.

Redefining Collaborative Healthcare

For Amethyst, PPPs are not merely funding mechanisms—they are strategic enablers. By aligning the capabilities of the private sector with the needs of the public, these partnerships create resilient systems that can grow, adapt, and consistently deliver high-quality care.

As Stéphane Carré noted in his interview with The CEO Magazine, the future of healthcare lies in intelligent collaboration. PPPs will continue to play a transformative role—not just in oncology, but across all sectors of healthcare seeking scalable, impactful, and sustainable solutions. Amethyst Healthcare is proud to be leading this transformation.

Read the full interview with Stéphane Carré in The CEO Magazine for more insights into Amethyst Healthcare Group’s inspiring journey.
radiotherapy centre - Radiotherapy Oncology at Theageniο Hospital

What Is Radiotherapy Prehabilitation & What Does It Entail?

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Treating a brain tumour is a comprehensive process for which success is based on the primary treatment pathway at a radiotherapy centre, as well as the work of the multidisciplinary team before, during and after a course of treatment.

The role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), is not only to shape the primary treatment and provide clear, comprehensive options for managing a brain condition, taking into account the wishes of the individual, health needs and the potential for progression, but also to manage the preparation for treatment.

This process, known as preoperative rehabilitation or prehabilitation, is about maximising the time spent from the initial diagnosis to the first course of treatment in order to ensure that people are ready for treatment, experience as little discomfort as possible during it and recover as quickly as possible after it.

As with radiotherapy treatments, prehabilitation programmes are tailored for each individual based on a particular set of goals, which means that each one will have a different focus and involve a range of experts.

However, here are some of the core principles behind prehabilitation.

Helping Maintain Physical Health

There is a connection between physical activity and successful treatment outcomes, both for cancerous brain tumours and other conditions that may require radiosurgical intervention.

Energy levels are a key part of recovery, as the body will use more energy during treatment to recover from radiotherapy sessions. Regular physical activity provides more energy, which translates to a better quality of life before, during and after treatment.

An MDT will assist in a multitude of different ways, most commonly through physiotherapists.

A physiotherapist will create a targeted workout routine that is tailored to a person’s ability, energy levels and fitness needs, consisting of stretches, walks and other gentle forms of exercise that it is safe for them to undertake.

Maintain Nutrition

Another aspect of physical health is nutrition, and a dietitian is available to help provide a range of targeted interventions that could improve a person’s quality of life before and during treatment, as well as reduce recovery times.

In some cases, it is a matter of establishing a meal plan of affordable, easy-to-prepare and easy-to-eat meals that provide the body with the sustenance and energy it needs whilst recovering from radiotherapy.

It also is important to maintain variety and to eat delicious meals during this time, as appetite can sometimes be affected during treatment and not eating enough can exacerbate the fatigue that can happen during the recovery process.

In some cases, they can help signpost support such as “meals on wheels” schemes that could provide nutritious meals that are pre-prepared or require minimal preparation.

Whilst less common with brain cancer treatment, a dietitian can help with advanced dietary needs such as the installation of a feeding tube to help meet more complex needs.

Encouraging Lifestyle Changes

In some cases, a major component of prehabilitation is encouraging lifestyle adjustments that can assist radiotherapy treatments and significantly improve a person’s quality of life.

If someone is a regular smoker, they will likely be advised to quit during the course of the treatment, as smoking can have multiple negative effects on the brain as well as the heart, lungs and throat.

A member of MDT will be involved in this process and provide support and proven, effective interventions to ensure that a person can quit responsibly and stay quit. In other cases, they may signpost other appropriate stop-smoking services.

As well as this, it will be advised to minimise the consumption of alcohol during the treatment to within the 14 units per week recommended guidelines, spread out over at least three days and incorporating multiple alcohol-free days a week.

Mental Health Support

Physical health and mental health are interconnected, and both are linked to treatment outcomes, which means that an MDT will include a counsellor or psychologist to assist with any mental health needs.

This will include any existing psychologist or psychiatrist a person is seeing, as managing the mental effects of diagnosis is an important part of shaping recovery. They can also help provide continuity of care and ensure that any medication taken as part of radiotherapy treatments will not interfere with mental health medication.

Mental health support is not limited to people who are currently seeing a psychologist; the stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue can affect anyone who has been diagnosed, and a professional is always on hand to talk to throughout a person’s treatment and reassure them of what they can expect from their treatment pathway.

Private radiotherapy - Meningioma concept

An Overview Of Meningiomas And How They Are Treated

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There are many conditions for which people seek private radiotherapy, but tumours are among the most serious. However, the degree of severity and the symptoms they produce can depend on a wide range of factors.

Among these are, chiefly, whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), but other factors will include the location of origin, which may indicate a more or less aggressive tumour and determine what kind of surgical or radiotherapy options offer the best potential outcomes for patients.

Meningiomas Defined

Among the many different kinds of tumours are meningiomas. These arise in membranes called the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is in these membranes that the viral infection meningitis is found. However, meningiomas are not connected to meningitis; they simply affect the same area.

Because they are adjacent to the brain but not actually in it, they are not classified as brain tumours. However, meningiomas share with brain tumours the effect of frequently pressing on the brain, nerves or vessels, which can cause a wide range of significant symptoms that require medical intervention to address.

Meningiomas are the most common form of tumour found in the head, accounting for over a quarter of cases, and they are often asymptomatic for many years, partly because they are not aggressive and seldom malignant but grow slowly. They can occur at any age and in both sexes, but the demographic balance tilts towards women and older patients.

Common Symptoms

However, over time, a meningioma can grow to the point where it starts producing symptoms. Although they can occasionally pressure the spine, most will affect the brain and some common symptoms can include impaired sensory functions, such as a loss of hearing, tinnitus symptoms, reduced sense of smell, or blurred vision.

Other common symptoms include a loss of memory, impaired speech, arm or leg weakness or bad headaches, especially in the morning.

Many of these are symptoms that may be associated with entirely different conditions; for instance, tinnitus can have several possible causes. However, the best course of action is always to see a GP and undergo tests to establish the nature of the problem. This will not usually be an emergency case, except if seizures or sudden memory loss are present.

Diagnosis And Classification

Diagnosis is established through CT or MRI scans. The latter can also determine what grade of meningioma it is. In many cases, because they are often asymptomatic, meningiomas are diagnosed during scans carried out for other reasons.

Grade 1 meningiomas are the most common, benign and slow growing, while grade 2 tumours have a far greater chance of returning after surgery. Grade 3 tumours – anaplastic meningiomas – are the most serious, as they are malignant and fast-growing. However, while meningiomas are the most common head tumour, grade 3 meningiomas are very rare.

Treatment Options

These grades will determine the treatment. Asymptomatic tumours may be kept under observation unless or until any symptoms emerge.

If the tumour does need treating, surgery is commonly used, but radiotherapy can sometimes be deployed as the primary treatment. Adjuvant radiation can often be given to supplement other treatment for grade 1 and 2 lesions. If a Grade 3 tumour is present, radiotherapy will be provided as standard.

Surgery itself can impact the pathological diagnosis, which means it will reveal data that can be used to determine what level of radiotherapy treatment might be needed in addition to any already given.

In a grade 1 tumour, it may be that you don’t need future treatment and this may also be the case with a grade 2 tumour, although in either case, further monitoring will be required to check for future recurrences. The chances of a recurrence are more than twice as high in a grade 2 case compared to grade 1.

Recurrence Rates

A study in the US carried out between 2009 and 2013 indicated that the rate of recurrence within five years was between seven and 23 per cent for grade 1 tumours, between 50 and 55 per cent for grade 2 and 72-78 per cent for grade 3.

There are different reasons for recurrence, with tumours that cannot be fully removed surgically being more likely to recur. If they are fully removed, the average chances of recurrence are between one in three and one in four. Other causes can include genetic mutations.

If you come for private treatment after a diagnosis, our expert team will help guide you through the treatment options and procedures. Because the overwhelming majority of meningiomas are benign, the aim will be to reduce the size of the tumour through radiotherapy, surgery or a combination of both to relieve symptoms.

radiotherapy centre - daughter supporting her sick mother

What Aftercare Is Available For You Following Radiotherapy?

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Treatment at a radiotherapy centre does not start nor end with the radiosurgical procedures themselves, but is instead part of a complete, holistic package of care.

Radiotherapists work as part of a multidisciplinary team in planning treatments, physiotherapists, nutritional experts and psychologists are there to help during the preparation for a course of radiotherapy, and aftercare is similarly important following the completion of treatment.

This does not only include follow-ups, active monitoring and managing the lingering effects of the tumour and the treatment to remove it but can also include rehabilitation processes that ensure that recovery is as effective and long-lasting as possible.

Here are some of the stages of aftercare available following a course of radiotherapy treatment.

Follow-Up Appointments

The most direct form of aftercare is in the form of follow-up appointments, which are regular meetings with the lead doctor of your brain tumour treatment.

These appointments will vary considerably in terms of duration and frequency, with the first follow-up often taking place after a course of radiotherapy has been completed in order to provide a full assessment of its progress.

They can be undertaken either in-person at the clinic, via a phone call or on a video conferencing tool depending on a person’s preferences and whether there is a need for tests or scans. Experts, doctors and nurses will be available between appointments to discuss any concerns or new symptoms.

Typically, follow-up appointments take place every few weeks, may include scans, X-rays and occasionally blood tests depending on the type of brain tumour, as well as the opportunity to discuss symptoms.

Self-Management

Some people prefer to have a less hands-on form of aftercare, particularly following the first few months, and this is where supported self-management becomes an option. Follow-up tests and scans will continue to be arranged and undertaken in person as and when required.

This involves regular telephone appointments from the MDT, the option for regular contact if required and information on symptoms to be mindful of, invitations to courses on self-management as well as advice on support in a person’s local area.

Some people prefer a more independent approach as a way of reestablishing control of one’s health, but there are a wide range of options available to access support when it is needed.

Establishing A Recovery And Rehabilitation Routine

Nutrition and physical activity is essential before, during and after treatment for a brain tumour, as it can aid significantly in recovery, and establishing an individually tailored recovery routine is an early and essential part of planning.

A physiotherapist in an MDT will help to establish a schedule for recovery, which may include in-person training sessions, a recommended exercise routine or a combination of both.

This routine will take into account current levels of recovery, energy levels and if there are some complications which make certain exercises less advisable such as peripheral neuropathy or temporary effects to the immune system.

This routine will be based on best practices, as well as the types of exercise activities an individual enjoys, as the best routine for recovery is the one that is most likely to be followed.

It will be flexible and take into account that certain days will need to prioritise rest as a form of recovery rather than physical rehabilitation.

Nutrition Changes

Similar to exercise, changes to a diet can assist in the recovery process or help to manage symptoms, and a nutritional expert will typically be part of an MDT in order to facilitate this.

In some cases, a recovery diet following a brain tumour will simply consist of a balanced diet, one that is often a part of prehabilitation as it pertains to treatment and will benefit almost anyone regardless of treatment progression.

For other people, there may need to be a more strictly tailored diet following treatment to help manage symptoms.

For example, if someone loses weight following a course of radiotherapy, they may be recommended a healthy high-calorie diet initially to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. This is sometimes known as a building-up diet.

Psychological Aftercare

The multidisciplinary team will do everything they can to ensure that treatment is undertaken as efficiently and as comfortably as possible, but there can be questions and psychological effects that occur that are related to the end of treatment and the recovery process.

Part of this is the result of the end of the structure that comes from regular appointments, and another part comes from the transition from focusing on managing the treatment itself.

A counsellor or psychologist is a common part of many MDTs to provide a safe place to discuss mental health, and they can also direct you to local support groups that allow people to share their experiences.

Radiotherapy treatment - doctor with human Brain anatomy model

What Are The Tell-Tale Brain Tumour Symptoms And Signs?

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The impact that radiotherapy treatment can have on brain tumours can be transformational for patients. In malignant (cancerous) treatments they can extend life considerably, especially if the diagnosis is an early one, while in the best cases, benign (non-cancerous) tumours may be either rendered almost harmless or removed altogether.

Radiotherapy may in some cases be carried out alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy and invasive surgery, but first, a diagnosis is required; some patients can have brain tumours for considerable lengths of time without realising it.

When Symptoms Appear

It is possible in some cases to have a brain tumour while remaining asymptomatic for a long time. This is often because the tumour is growing very slowly, so there is no noticeable deterioration in health or any kind of brain or body function. In benign tumours, this can be especially the case, as they are often very slow-growing.

However, this does not mean patients will never experience symptoms. Rather, it means they will harbour tumours for longer before the signs start to appear.

The upside of this situation is that slow-growing tumours are by nature easier to treat and manage, whereas, by contrast, fast-growing, aggressive and cancerous tumours like glioblastomas are incurable and need more powerful treatment responses.

Whether a tumour is growing rapidly or slowly, is malignant or benign, there will come a point where signs start to appear. Recognising these is the key to diagnosis and to accessing treatment, which can also help tackle some of the symptoms that will begin to impact on the quality of life of the patient.

This will occur chiefly because the growth of the tumour will eventually cause it to press upon the brain, at which point symptoms will start to appear.

Neurological Signs

A progressive neurological disorder is the most obvious sign. This involves a gradual degeneration of brain function and involves a deterioration of core functions such as communication and memory, as well as sometimes leading to personality changes.

It is important to note that progressive neurological disorders represent a broad medical category and they can arise from other causes, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is often caused by a brain tumour, for example, impeding speech by pressing on the areas of the brain most associated with communication.

The area of the brain that controls speech is usually found on the left side of the brain, although it can be on the right for a minority of left-handed people.

Why Headaches May Be A Sign

Severe headaches can also be caused by tumours. However, this does not mean that most patients who suffer from persistent headaches have a tumour, as there are many other potential causes, such as dehydration, another illness, a sinus infection or susceptibility to migraines.

Nonetheless, around half of tumour patients reported headaches as one of the symptoms that indicated something was wrong.

This means the appropriate response for the patient suffering from persistent headaches is to see a doctor. In the vast majority of cases, it will not be a tumour, but if it is, this will be the first sign that will lead to a diagnosis.  If it is not, the doctor may be able to identify another cause and establish how the problem can be treated.

Another common sign of a tumour is a deterioration in some motor functions. For example, a patient may find muscle weakness or sight impairment. If this happens on only one sign of the body, that may be a tell-tale sign that a tumour is starting to impact on one side of the brain.

Seizures are another problem that can arise. This can include full convulsive fits, but it may also manifest in milder symptoms such as muscle twitches. A further common symptom is vomiting and nausea.

Seeking A Diagnosis

The above symptoms often accompany headaches, but once again it should be emphasised that this is not necessarily the result of a tumour and, like the headaches, may arise from other causes. Nonetheless, patients need to seek medical attention. If the problems are only visual, you should see your optician first.

Since these signs are only indicators that something is wrong, but not necessarily that a tumour is present, patients should discuss them thoroughly with a medical professional. A referral for scans can help identify if a tumour is present and further tests will help establish its characteristics, most importantly whether it is benign or malignant.

The sooner a tumour is diagnosed, the faster treatment can begin. As radiotherapy has the primary effect of shrinking a tumour, it follows that the larger the tumour is, the more it needs to shrink to ease the symptoms. Moreover, treating a malignant tumour earlier gives the cancer less opportunity to spread, helping extend or even save a life.

radiotherapy centre - Hand holding Gray ribbon

What Are The Goals Of Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2025?

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March is one of the most important months of the year for radiotherapy centres which specialise in treatments such as Gamma Knife, as Brain Tumour Awareness Month focuses on doing everything possible to prevent, treat and diagnose brain tumours.

Initially launched in 2004 as a collective effort by several brain tumour charities later known as Brain Tumour Research, Brain Tumour Awareness Month has become an essential part of the work of many organisations that diagnose and treat brain conditions.

Starting with shining a light on the first Monday of the month and ending with Wear A Hat Day on the last Friday, Brain Tumour Awareness Month generates a lot of attention around forward its major central goals.

Earlier Diagnoses

The stated aim of Brain Tumour Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the early warning signs and symptoms that can sometimes be missed due to having multiple potential causes and a lack of specificity.

Headaches, nausea and vision changes that do not appear to improve should be checked as as soon as possible to rule out a tumour as a potential cause or make the transition from diagnosis to treatment as soon as a tumour is confirmed.

Quicker diagnosis allows for less invasive treatments and improved quality of life, so raising awareness is vital not only in the abstract but is connected to treatment outcomes.

The pink and yellow colour scheme and grey ribbons are an essential part of this work, as the more people are aware, the greater the chance they will be diagnosed early and be able to undergo treatment straight away, similar to breast cancer and prostate cancer awareness campaigns.

Improve Access To Treatment

Supporting organisations, clinics and individuals seeking treatment for brain tumours is a core part of the fundraising efforts of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, as it enhances the scope for potential treatments and ensures that people can get the treatment they need as soon as they can be treated.

Part of this is through funding drives to directly help individuals affected by and living with brain tumours, but another part of this work is campaigning for greater access and funding from central governments to increase access to treatments in line with other cancer types.

One particularly effective treatment option for brain tumours is Gamma Knife radiosurgery, where radiation therapy is precisely targeted at cancerous cells to treat a range of different conditions.

No surgical incisions are required for the treatment, with multiple converging beams of gamma radiation used instead to deliver highly focused doses to target areas within the brain.

The main benefit of this treatment plan is that maximal radiation doses are delivered precisely to the target while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissue. This, in turn, reduces the risk of radiation-related side-effects.

Provide Support

Brain Tumour Awareness Month begins with lighting a candle on 1st March, before ending with Wear A Hat Day on Friday 28th March. The first Monday of March, which this year was Monday 3rd March, featured a minute of silence observed by charities, specialists, celebrities and anyone who wished to remember those affected by brain tumours.

Outside of a demonstration of support and a clear statement to anyone undergoing treatment that they are not facing cancer alone, Brain Tumour Awareness Month also provides support to individuals, clinics and research bodies which help to excise tumours and provide minimally invasive, effective treatment.

Further Research

Precision stereotactic radiosurgery was the result of over half a century of research into radiation and the brain leading to its first experimental treatments in the 1950s, and ever since then, cutting-edge research has been one of the most important tools to help treat a widening group of tumours.

Tools such as proton beam therapy, improvements in diagnostic technology and the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence to assist with both the discovery and treatment of tumours are actively being researched, but the path from discovery to active treatment is expensive.

The goal of Brain Tumour Research is to find a cure for all types of tumours and growths which affect the brain. This requires an approach which spans the complete treatment pathway from a greater understanding of potential symptoms, diagnostics, radiotherapy, medication, recovery and prevention.

According to Brain Tumour Research, one per cent of the money spent each year on cancer research goes towards brain tumour research, and Brain Tumour Awareness Month helps to fund continuous research in a wide range of areas related to brain tumour treatment.

Raise Awareness Of Prevention And Recovery Steps

Whilst there is a wide range of risk factors for brain tumours, many of which are outside of people’s control, there are some lifestyle habits that researchers have been able to confirm that affect the risk of contracting certain types of cancers.

More generally, this includes diet, physical activity, smoking, drinking alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, but research is being undertaken to ensure that people know which parts of their lifestyle could increase or decrease their risk of brain tumours.

As well as this, it can also help with recovery from treatment, through targeted support, exercise and dietary changes focused on nutrition.