Background
People affected by cancer now have to deal with increasingly complex decisions about their care that require an understanding of cancer, its treatment, and ongoing management. Whilst highly valued, informational needs are not always met within the health system. Cancer organisations are well placed to assist with these needs through the provision of easy-to-read, up-to-date, evidence-based information.

Aim
The aim was to assess the Understanding Radiotherapy patient information booklet in terms of readability, usefulness, and impact of the information on reader knowledge and help-seeking behaviour.

Method
A self-report survey was developed to measure the intended outcomes of the booklet.

Results
175 surveys were returned. Most participants sourced the booklet from a health care professional (59%) and 73% indicated they felt they received it an appropriate time. Around 90% shared or discussed the information with family/friends and the majority (71%) agreed or strongly agreed that the booklet helped them to explain things to others; contained useful information (81%); provided a good introduction to radiotherapy (79%); used language they could relate to (79%); was easy to understand (78%); helped them better understand information that had been delivered by their doctor (71%); and increased their knowledge about cancer-related topics (74-80%).

As a result of reading the booklet, just over half of the participants indicated they had spoken to their health care team about any concerns or questions they had; 23% sought out more information; 10% called the 13 11 20 Information and Support service; and 13% used another Cancer Council service.

Conclusion
This Cancer Council publication provides useful and understandable information to people affected by cancer, increasing their knowledge about radiotherapy and cancer-related topics, and prompting further help-seeking behaviours.

Implications
Credible patient health information is an essential part of cancer care, fostering better health choices and relationships between health care professionals and their patients.