Patient booklets

A guide to taking pancreatic enzymes (Creon) [Word, 333 KB]

If your pancreas has been damaged by disease, or if you have had surgery to this gland, it may be unable to produce certain enzymes, which are needed to help you to digest your food.

Cancer of the penis (penile cancer) [PDF, 112 KB]

Penile cancer is a rare cancer. The exact cause of the disease is not known. However, there are some factors which appear to increase risk of the disease.

You can also read this information in an accessible format on our Penile cancer page.

Care of your peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) [PDF, 921 KB]

A PICC is a peripherally inserted central catheter. It is a thin flexible tube that is inserted into a vein in the upper arm. This booklet covers the benefits of a PICC, how one is inserted and what you need to know if you have a PICC.

Going home after permanent implants [PDF, 111 KB]

When you are discharged you may be referred to your district nurse to check the wounds and dressings. We will also give you a hospital appointment to attend to check your wounds.

Helping to prevent pressure ulcers [PDF, 113 KB]

You have been identified as being at risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Pressure ulcers can take a long time to heal and may mean that you have to stay in hospital for some time.

High dose rate prostate brachytherapy (HDR) [PDF, 1,309 KB]

Your oncologist or specialist doctor has recommended that you may benefit from high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR). This information booklet aims to tell you about this treatment.

Information about your parathyroid scan [PDF, 110 KB]

A parathyroid scan is used to examine how your parathyroid glands are working. It can also identify parathyroid tissue away from its normal position in the neck. For this scan we will administer two different tracers, each containing a small amount of radioactivity.

Information about your PET-CT scan [PDF, 112 KB]

PET-CT (positron emission tomography with computerised tomography) is a scanning method that allows us to see how organs are working and helps us identify abnormalities in the body. For this scan we will give you an injection containing a small amount of radioactivity called a tracer.

Information for flushing and dressing an open-ended (PICC) [Word, 329 KB]

This advice for district nurses covers what you need to know if your patient has had an open-ended peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) inserted recently, and what you’ll need to look out for.

Palatine ambulatory care unit: A guide for haematology and TYA patients [PDF, 1,106 KB]

This information booklet has been designed to provide an overview for patients and carers (or companions) about the ambulatory service available as part of the haematology and Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) services at The Christie.

Parenteral nutrition: information for patients [PDF, 110 KB]

Normally when you eat, food is broken down and digested (absorbed) in your digestive tract (known as bowel or gut). Parenteral nutrition (PN), sometimes called total parenteral nutrition (TPN), is a form of liquid food given directly into your blood stream without the need to go into your digestive tract first.

Partial penectomy [PDF, 115 KB]

This information is for patients who have cancer of the penis and need surgery to remove a part of the penis. This is called a partial penectomy.

PecFent® intranasal spray [PDF, 112 KB]

PecFent® is used to treat breakthrough pain (a temporary flare in pain) related to cancer. The possible benefits of treatment vary; your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions you have about your treatment.

This should be read with the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

PeIN (penile intraepithelial neoplasia) [PDF, 104 KB]

PeIN (penile intraepithelial neoplasia) means there are abnormal cells or growths that can look like ulcers or warts on the surface of the skin of the penis. These abnormal cells or growths may become cancerous and spread into nearby normal tissue if not treated.

Percutaneous biliary drainage and stent insertion [PDF, 115 KB]

This leaflet tells you about the procedures known as biliary drainage and stent insertion. It explains what is involved and the benefits and risks. It may make you think of things you would like to discuss with your doctor.

Percutaneous nephrostomy [PDF, 114 KB]

This leaflet tells you about the procedures known as percutaneous nephrostomy. It explains what is involved and the benefits and risks. It may make you think of things you would like to discuss with your doctor.

PET-CT information for diabetic patients [PDF, 103 KB]

When you have a PET/CT scan you are given an injection of a radioactive sugar called 18-F fluorodeoxyglucose (18-F FDG). This special form of glucose is taken up by cells in the body, in the same way as normal glucose, from your blood.

Planned surgery: A guide for patients and their carers [PDF, 1,312 KB]

This booklet provides you with information on having an operation at The Christie. It aims to explain the process of your surgery and answer your questions. Not all the information may be relevant to you, so a member of staff can direct you to the most helpful parts and answer any questions you may have.

Pleural drainage [PDF, 109 KB]

This leaflet tells you about the procedure known as pleural drainage. It explains what is involved and what the benefits and risks are. It may help you think of things you would like to discuss further with your doctor.

Post radiotherapy skin care advice for breast or chest wall treatments, and/or the lymph nodes [PDF, 87 KB]

Now that you have completed your radiotherapy continue to moisturise using the moisturiser you used throughout treatment. If you have not yet used a moisturiser start using an unperfumed one which you know your skin agrees with. If you have a new moisturiser, test it on the back of your hand first to make sure you do not have a reaction to it.

Preload [PDF, 135 KB]

Preload is a neutral-tasting carbohydrate drink designed to provide the body with energy during a period of starvation. Research has shown that your body will recover faster after surgery if you are well hydrated and not in a state of 'starvation'. It can also contribute towards your comfort and reduce thirst.

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (early menopause) [PDF, 1,427 KB]

This information has been developed by young women who are going through, or who are at high risk of going through, Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) in collaboration with professionals from cancer, endocrinology, gynaecology, menopause and psychological specialities.

Preparing for radiotherapy to the prostate: Oldham [PDF, 136 KB]

Opening your bowels regularly, especially before the planning scan and each daily treatment, means that the shape of your rectum, and the position of your prostate remain consistent. If your rectum is full during treatment, the position of the prostate can change making it difficult to accurately target the radiotherapy.

Prostate brachytherapy: Low dose rate permanent seed implant [PDF, 1,609 KB]

We would like you to be able to use this information as a basis for any questions you may have about prostate brachytherapy as a potential treatment choice for your early-stage prostate cancer.

Prostate easy access support service (PEASS) workbook

This booklet is for any Christie patients attending a PEASS (Prostate Easy Access Support Service) workshop. During and following treatment for prostate cancer, we are encouraging patients who have a stable Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) to self-manage their care with the support of the PEASS team. This workshop will cover all the information you need to do so.

Prostate follow-up at Ashton Primary Care Centre [PDF, 148 KB]

Your after-care following prostate cancer treatment will be delivered at Ashton primary care centre. The clinic is staffed by specialist Christie nurses who have expertise in managing prostate cancer patients.

Prostate follow-up at Beechwood cancer care centre [PDF, 174 KB]

Your after care following prostate cancer treatment will be delivered at Beechwood cancer care centre. The clinic is staffed by specialist Christie nurses who have expertise in managing prostate cancer patients.

Prostate follow-up at Chapel Road clinic [PDF, 155 KB]

Your after-care appointments following prostate cancer treatment will be delivered at Chapel Road clinic in Sale. The clinic is staffed by specialist Christie nurses who have expertise in managing prostate cancer patients.

Prostate follow-up at Hazel Grove Clinic [PDF, 119 KB]

This leaflet will give you information about a follow-up clinic for prostate patients.

Prostate follow-up at The Christie at Oldham [PDF, 233 KB]

Your after-care appointments following prostate cancer treatment will be delivered at The Christie at Oldham – read more about what to expect in this leaflet.

Prostate follow-up at Townside primary care centre [PDF, 169 KB]

Townside is one of the 7 community clinics set up by The Christie for reviewing men who have been treated at The Christie for prostate cancer. The clinic is staffed by specialist nurses from the urology/oncology team who have expertise in managing prostate cancer patients.

Prostate follow-up at Waters Green medical centre [PDF, 173 KB]

Your after-care following prostate cancer treatment will be delivered at Waters Green Medical Centre, Macclesfield. The clinic is staffed by specialist Christie nurses who have expertise in managing prostate cancer patients.

Prostate template biopsy [PDF, 112 KB]

This information tells you what happens when you have a prostate template biopsy. It explains what is involved and the benefits and risks. It may help you to think of things you would like to discuss with your doctor/s.

Protected mealtimes [PDF, 133 KB]

We have introduced protected mealtimes to give patients the opportunity to eat their meals without any interruptions. All visitors will be asked to leave the ward at mealtimes except carers helping with meals.

Proton beam therapy and urology cancer [PDF, 99 KB]

There is a nationally agreed list of possible cancers where proton beam therapy might be useful, mostly in children and young adults. At present, common adult urological cancers such as prostate, bladder and kidney cancer are not part of the approved list.

Proton beam therapy for base of skull chondrosarcoma [PDF, 104 KB]

This is an information sheet about treatment with Proton beam therapy for base of skull chondrosarcoma.

Proton beam therapy for base of skull chordoma [PDF, 104 KB]

This is an information sheet about treatment with Proton beam therapy for base of skull chordoma.

Proton beam therapy – adult /young adult (TYA)

The Christie offers one of only 2 high energy NHS proton beam therapy (PBT) centres in the UK. We provide specialised treatment for UK patients with complex and hard-to-treat cancers. Teenage and young adults will also be assigned a youth support coordinator who can offer practical and emotional support tailored to this age group.

You can also read this information in an accessible format on our Proton beam therapy – adult/young adult (TYA): A guide for patients and their carers page.

Proton beam therapy: Shuttle bus timetable [PDF, 112 KB]

This is the shuttle bus timetable to the proton beam therapy centre at The Christie, for protons patients.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) information for patients [PDF, 89 KB]

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare, often slow-growing tumour usually starting from the appendix. It produces large amounts of a jelly-like substance (mucus) that collects in the abdomen.

You can also read this information in an accessible format on our Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) page.

Psychosexual medicine and therapy service for gynaecological patients [PDF, 100 KB]

The gynaecological psychosexual service provides support for patients and their partners affected by gynaecological cancers whose sexual function, sexual relationships, intimacy or body image, have been altered by their diagnosis and treatment. It is common for patients to need some support; this may be talking therapy, physical treatments or both.

Radiotherapy to the pelvis for rectal tumours [PDF, 3.63 MB]

This booklet is to tell you about radiotherapy to the pelvis for tumours of the rectum. It describes all possible treatments, and some may not apply to you. The clinical team will discuss your treatment with you and explain anything you do not understand.

You can also read this information in an accessible format on our Radiotherapy to the pelvis for rectal tumours page.

Radiotherapy to the prostate [PDF, 2,263 KB]

This booklet is to tell you about external beam radiotherapy to the prostate. The Christie is a specialised centre for radiotherapy and patients come for treatments that are not always available at general hospitals.

You can also read this information in an accessible format on our Radiotherapy to the prostate page.

The Christie PEASS (prostate easy access support service)

The Christie PEASS is a supported self-management follow-up pathway for patients following their prostate cancer treatment or who are only on hormone therapy treatment.

The psycho-oncology service [PDF, 511 KB]

A diagnosis of cancer can be very difficult. Whilst you have your own personal resilience, perhaps the support of family and friends and that of the nurses and doctors treating you, sometimes you may feel you need some extra help.

We are a specialist team who can support you with coping with the emotional and psychological challenges of having cancer.

Total penectomy [PDF, 115 KB]

This information is for men who have cancer of the penis and who need surgery to remove the entire penis. This is called a total penectomy.

Understanding phase 1 clinical trials [PDF, 1,029 KB]

This leaflet provides information for you, your family and friends to explain what phase 1 clinical trials are and how they are carried out.

Using MyChristie-MyHealth to monitor patients receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer [PDF, 106 KB]

If you take hormone medication such as abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide or enzalutamide for prostate cancer, your clinical team will monitor you during treatment using a service called MyChristie-MyHealth.

You can also read this information in an accessible format on our Using MyChristie-MyHealth to monitor patients receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer page.

Welcome to the department of plastic surgery (department 4) [PDF, 109 KB]

Your doctor in clinic has told you that you are going to have an operation under the care of the plastic surgery department at The Christie. You will normally be admitted to a ward on the day of surgery. On occasion, you may be admitted on the day before surgery for further preparation to take place.

Welcome to the Palatine ward [Word, 223 KB]

Our ward merges 2 units – the haematology and transplant unit and the young oncology unit. This booklet provides you with information about all aspects of your illness and treatment on the Palatine ward at The Christie.