Proton beam therapy for South African patients

Proton International London is here to support cancer patients from South Africa

Our highly experienced specialists deliver treatment in world-class facilities, in partnership with University College London Hospitals Trust (UCLH).

If you or someone close to you are considering cancer treatment options, you may have heard of proton beam therapy. This advanced cancer care is a type of radiotherapy that targets tumours with great accuracy, while sparing healthy tissue.

At Proton International London, we welcome South African patients for private treatment. Alongside expert clinical care, you can expect dedicated, personalised support designed around you and your family.

This page will help guide you through your treatment decision and answer your questions about the practicalities of travelling to London.

For advice or to start a referral, please use our Live Chat or complete our enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Practical support for cancer patients and their families

We know that travelling to another country for treatment is a significant commitment for the whole family. To make the experience as smooth as possible, your time with Proton International London follows a clear set of steps, with support from our team at each stage.

Our team has supported many international patients through this process, and we are here to help you plan carefully from the outset. From your first enquiry, you will have a dedicated point of contact who can answer your questions and help coordinate the practical arrangements.

1. Oncologist referral – Your treating oncologist in South Africa, or another doctor on your behalf, sends a referral to our team in London along with your relevant medical information, such as imaging scans.
2. Remote assessment – Our consultant oncologists review your case and, where appropriate, arrange a secure video consultation with you and your doctors. This allows you to begin the conversation without travelling.
3. Logistics and visa – Once treatment is agreed, our team can support you with travel arrangements, visa guidance and accommodation options suitable for you and your family.
4. Treatment planning – When you arrive in London, our clinical team prepares your individual treatment plan, including planning scans and a clear schedule of your treatment sessions for the weeks ahead.
5. Treatment begins – Treatment is delivered Monday to Friday over several weeks, with continuous support from our multidisciplinary team. On occasion, you may be offered treatment on a weekend day if a treatment day has been missed in the week for any reason. The exact length of treatment varies, but most patients should expect to be in London for around five to seven weeks in total, allowing additional time for planning scans, creating a treatment plan, treatment delivery and a short follow-up. Find out more about what to expect when having proton beam therapy.
6. Post-treatment – Before you return home, we will explain what to expect after treatment and share the relevant treatment information with your medical team in South Africa. We will also advise on longer-term monitoring, so your ongoing care can continue safely once you are back home.

We understand that family is central to many South African patients. Family members are welcome to accompany you, and we will do all we can to help you stay together and comfortable throughout your stay. Where helpful, we can also arrange interpreter support so that conversations about your care are clear.

Find out more about how we help our international patients and our concierge services.

The referral process for South African patients

Here is how the referral process typically works at Proton International London:

1. Speak with your treating doctors – If you are exploring proton beam therapy, it is best to begin by speaking with your oncology team in South Africa. They can offer a clinical view on whether the treatment may be appropriate for your diagnosis. You are also welcome to contact our team directly to arrange a private second opinion.
2. Submit your referral – You or your doctor can start a referral by completing our online enquiry form. You will be asked to share supporting medical documents, including a consultation letter confirming your diagnosis, your scans and pathology reports, which are sent securely to our consultant team for review.
3. Clinical review – Our consultant oncologists will assess your case in detail. They will consider your diagnosis, the location and stage of the tumour, any other treatments planned or already underway, your overall health and the wider clinical picture. Proton beam therapy is not appropriate for every type of cancer, so this step helps confirm whether it is the right treatment for you.
4. Your personalised treatment plan – If proton beam therapy is recommended, we will share a treatment plan designed around your individual case. This will set out the proposed timelines and explain what to expect at each stage of your treatment in London.

Frequently asked questions about proton beam therapy for patients from South Africa

How can South African patients access proton beam therapy (PBT) in London?

Currently, around 140 proton therapy centres worldwide in the Northern Hemisphere offer access to proton beam therapy, though that number is on the rise. South African patients are welcome to request a referral for private treatment at Proton International London.

• Direct self-referral – You can contact us directly to start a conversation about whether proton beam therapy may be suitable for you. We will guide you through the next steps and the medical information our team will need.
• Referral from an oncologist – Your treating oncologist in South Africa can refer you to Proton International London, sharing the relevant clinical information securely with our team.
• Private medical insurance – If you have private medical aid cover, you can speak to your provider about out-of-country treatment. Some schemes, including Discovery Health, may offer cover or partial cover for overseas oncology treatment depending on your individual plan and circumstances.
• International healthcare providers – Where treatment is being arranged through a medical travel concierge or international healthcare provider, our team can liaise with them on your behalf to coordinate your referral, documentation and travel arrangements.

What are the eligibility conditions for private proton beam therapy?

Proton beam therapy is not suitable or necessary for every type of cancer. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by our consultant oncologists, who will review your diagnosis, the location and stage of the tumour, your wider treatment plan and your general health. There are no restrictions related to nationality or residence. International patients are welcome, but every patient must meet the clinical criteria for proton beam therapy to be recommended.

What methods are there to fund the treatment?

South African patients usually fund their treatment through one or more of the following routes:

• Private medical aid schemes – Some schemes provide cover or partial cover for out-of-country oncology treatment, subject to your specific plan and approval. It is worth speaking to your provider early in the process.
• Self-funding – Many international patients choose to self-fund their treatment. Our team can provide a detailed cost breakdown so you can plan accordingly.
• Sponsored treatment – Where treatment is being funded by an embassy, employer, charity or other sponsor, our team can work directly with them to manage the financial arrangements.

We can provide the documentation your medical scheme or sponsor may require, including a comparative proton-versus-photon plan, where appropriate.

What information do I need before a consultation?

Before your initial consultation with our team, it is helpful to have the following ready:

• A consultation letter from your treating doctor confirming your diagnosis
• Recent scans (such as CT, PET or MRI scans) and the corresponding radiology reports
• Pathology reports relating to your diagnosis
• A summary of any treatment you have already received, such as surgery or chemotherapy
• Details of any other treatments planned alongside proton beam therapy

If you are missing any of these, please do not let that delay you in getting in touch. Our team can guide you on what is most important at each stage.

How long will I need to stay in the UK?

Most patients receive proton beam therapy from Monday to Friday over a period of around four to six weeks. You will usually need to arrive in London a little earlier for planning scans and preparation, so your total stay is typically around five to seven weeks. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, so timings may vary depending on your diagnosis.