The single most distressing symptom for more than 70% of patients with oesophageal cancer is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) caused by blockage of the gullet by a tumour. This causes severe restrictions on food intake, physical activity, social functioning and overall quality of life. Amongst the more effective treatments for improving swallowing, is the insertion of a metal stent across the blocked part, which then self-expands to open up the gullet (Self Expanding Metal Stent or SEMS). The addition of radiotherapy may help to improve the problems caused by dysphagia and provide an additional survival benefit.