What should you know about external beam radiation for prostate cancer?

A planning visit maps the prostate and nearby organs so the treatment team can shape the radiation field. During each session, you lie in a set position while a machine sends radiation toward the treatment area; the machine does not make you radioactive. The schedule depends on the technique, tumour features and treatment aim. Some people receive radiation as the main local treatment, while others receive it alongside hormone treatment or after surgery. Possible effects include urinary frequency, burning, bowel changes, tiredness and changes in sexual function. These may begin during treatment or later, so monitoring continues after the course.

Attend planning and treatment appointments, follow instructions about bladder or bowel preparation, and tell the team about medicines and existing urinary or bowel problems. Drink fluids as advised and use the skin-care or symptom medicines your clinicians recommend. Keep a simple record of bowel, urinary and energy changes. Ask whether radiotherapy, brachytherapy or surgery fits your cancer stage and personal priorities; these approaches differ in delivery, recovery and possible effects.

Contact your team promptly for inability to pass urine, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, fever, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea or symptoms that stop you drinking and eating. Difficulty passing urine deserves urgent clinical advice because swelling or irritation can obstruct flow. Do not wait for the next appointment if a new symptom is severe or rapidly worsening.

Which radiation technique and schedule suit my tumour? Will I need hormone treatment? How will my urinary and bowel health be protected? Which symptoms should I report the same day? What follow-up tests will track my response?