Does radiotherapy treat prostate cancer?

Radiotherapy may be used with an aim to control cancer in the prostate, reduce the chance of cancer returning near the original site, or ease symptoms caused by cancer in another area. External-beam treatment directs radiation from outside the body; a specialised form places radioactive sources inside or close to the prostate. Your team chooses the method after reviewing scans, biopsy findings, prostate size, urinary function and other health factors.

Possible effects include tiredness, urinary urgency or irritation, bowel changes and sexual difficulties. Some effects settle after treatment while others may need longer-term support. Ask about bladder and bowel preparation and how symptoms will be managed.

Discuss radiotherapy alongside surgery, active monitoring, hormone treatment or other options when these are relevant. Ask what the treatment is intended to achieve, how it could affect your current urinary and bowel function, and whether hormone treatment is recommended before, during or after radiation.

Tell your team about previous pelvic treatment, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary obstruction, medicines and sexual health concerns. Keep appointments for planning scans and report new symptoms early so supportive treatment can begin promptly.

Contact your care team for worsening burning with urination, blood in urine or stool, persistent diarrhoea, new rectal bleeding or inability to empty your bladder. Seek urgent help for inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting or breathing difficulty.

Which radiotherapy method suits my cancer and anatomy? What benefits and side effects should I weigh against surgery or monitoring? Will hormone treatment be part of the plan? How will urinary, bowel and sexual effects be followed?