Does brachytherapy treat cervical cancer?

It is internal radiotherapy and is often planned alongside external beam radiotherapy. Whether it suits you depends on the tumour, its location, previous treatment and your overall health.

An applicator is placed in the vagina and cervix so radiation can be delivered directly to the treatment area. The source is removed after each session; the applicator may be removed then or kept in place for part of the treatment plan.

Imaging helps the team shape the dose around the cervix while limiting exposure to nearby organs such as the bladder and bowel. Anaesthesia or sedation may be used while the applicator is inserted. You are not radioactive after a temporary source has been removed.

Follow the hospital's instructions about eating, drinking, bowel preparation and regular medicines. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, pregnancy concerns and any previous pelvic radiotherapy.

Arrange transport if sedation or anaesthesia is planned. Before leaving, confirm how to manage pain, vaginal discharge, bladder or bowel changes, and whom to contact outside clinic hours.

Contact your cancer team promptly if you develop fever, worsening pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, unpleasant-smelling discharge, difficulty passing urine, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea that prevents you drinking.

Seek urgent medical care for severe bleeding, fainting, chest pain, sudden breathlessness or signs of a serious allergic reaction. Use the emergency contact instructions supplied by your treating centre.

Ask whether brachytherapy will be combined with external beam radiotherapy, how the applicator will be placed, what pain relief is available and which short-term effects are expected. You can also discuss possible effects on the vagina, bladder, bowel, fertility and sexual health, plus supportive care that may help.