A MEDICAL centre in Littlemore is one of the first in Europe to offer a new type of radiotherapy for cancer patients.

For many women radiotherapy tattoos are a permanent reminder of their cancer treatment.

But now GenesisCare, in Sandy Lane West, will use a 'tattoo-less' radiotherapy called SGRT as an alternative to the permanent tattoo markings, which normally occur from radiotherapy.

It is expected that the medical centre will now treat more than 200 patients this year.

Clinical lead at GenesisCare Jacqui Dorney said: "Following the successful pilot at our centre in Nottingham last September, we are pleased to have installed this highly advanced equipment at our Oxford centre which treats patients from across Oxford, Swindon, Reading, Newbury, Cheltenham and Gloucester.

"SGRT is the most advanced form of radiotherapy treatment in the UK which reduces radiation being directed to healthy cells.

"Although the technique is available to treat all cancer types, this is a particularly crucial method for left-sided breast cancer patients to ensure that no radiation is administered to the heart."

Standard radiation therapy typically involves tattooing anywhere from four to twelve dots at points ranging from the collar bone to the fold under the breast and from the breastbone to underneath the underarm.

Ms Dorney added: "Avoiding visible tattoos has been shown to result in improved body image after breast cancer treatment so we are thrilled that we can now offer this to our patients in the region to help them return to their everyday lives without a permanent reminder of their treatment."