HBOT access
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy support—where medically appropriate.
Clear, cautious information for cancer patients exploring a professionally referred HBOT pathway.
CFC may help an eligible patient access HBOT only where a qualified clinician identifies an appropriate indication and the treatment is delivered through a suitable, professionally supervised facility.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing high-concentration oxygen inside a chamber pressurised above normal atmospheric pressure. Under these controlled conditions, the lungs take in more oxygen. HBOT is used in medicine for selected conditions—not as a general wellness treatment.
Why HBOT may be relevant after cancer treatment
Radiotherapy can sometimes cause delayed injury to healthy tissue or bone in the treated area. These complications may develop months or years after treatment and require specialist evaluation.
Hyperbaric medicine authorities recognise delayed radiation injury involving soft tissue or bone as an accepted clinical indication for HBOT. Whether it is appropriate depends on the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, current treatment and specialist assessment.
CFC’s role
- Review a documented request for practical or financial assistance.
- Confirm that a suitable clinical referral and provider pathway exist.
- Assess eligibility, available funding and the support CFC can responsibly offer.
- Coordinate approved access without replacing the treating medical team.
The access pathway
Clinical concern
The patient’s treating practitioner identifies a condition that may warrant hyperbaric assessment.
Specialist evaluation
An appropriate professional confirms the indication, suitability, risks and proposed treatment plan.
CFC assessment
CFC reviews documentation, financial need, provider details, availability and funding.
Approved coordination
If assistance is approved, CFC helps coordinate the agreed support and records the intervention.
Safety and professional supervision
Proper facility
Treatment should take place in a suitable hyperbaric facility with trained staff, appropriate monitoring and established safety procedures.
Individual assessment
Some medical conditions, medications or circumstances may affect suitability. Patients must disclose their complete medical history to the treating team.
Oxygen and fire safety
High oxygen concentrations increase fire risk. Facility rules about clothing, devices and prohibited items must be followed strictly.
Not emergency care
CFC is not an emergency service. Urgent symptoms or medical deterioration require immediate assessment through appropriate emergency services.
Frequently asked questions
Does HBOT treat or cure cancer?
No. CFC does not present HBOT as a cancer treatment or cure. It may be considered by an appropriate clinician for specific conditions, including some delayed radiation injuries.
Who decides whether HBOT is appropriate?
A suitably qualified treating practitioner and hyperbaric medicine team must assess the patient, indication, risks and proposed protocol.
Will CFC fund every referral?
No. Assistance depends on clinical documentation, eligibility, provider availability, available funding and CFC’s assessment.
Is HBOT risk-free?
No medical treatment is risk-free. Possible concerns include pressure-related ear or sinus injury, temporary vision changes, oxygen toxicity, claustrophobia and fire risk. The treating facility must explain patient-specific risks.
Can I apply without a medical referral?
You may contact CFC for guidance, but HBOT support cannot be approved without appropriate clinical documentation and professional assessment.
Request support
Start with the referral—not the chamber.
If a qualified professional has recommended a hyperbaric assessment or treatment pathway, contact CFC with the relevant clinical documentation and quotation.
Content last updated: September 2026. This page provides general information and does not replace medical advice.
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