How effective is radiotherapy for womb cancer?

Womb cancer, often called endometrial cancer, may be treated with external beam radiotherapy, internal radiotherapy placed near the womb area, or both. Treatment may follow surgery when the pathology suggests a higher risk of pelvic or vaginal recurrence. It may also be used when surgery is not suitable, or to relieve symptoms from a particular tumour site.

The likely benefit is specific to the area treated. Radiotherapy does not automatically control cancer that has spread beyond the planned field, so the team may combine it with surgery, hormone treatment, chemotherapy, or other medicines when appropriate.

Ask your gynaecological oncology team which form of radiotherapy is proposed and what the pathology shows about local risk. Tell them about bowel, bladder, sexual, or vaginal symptoms before planning begins. During treatment, follow instructions about skin care, hydration, activity, and appointments; report side effects early so they can be managed.

Call the treatment team for heavy or persistent bleeding, inability to pass urine, severe diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, fever, or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent help for sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or collapse. New bleeding after treatment should be assessed even when it is light.

What is the aim of radiotherapy in my case? Which area will it treat? Why is external, internal, or combined treatment being considered? How might treatment affect bowel, bladder, vaginal, and sexual health? What symptoms require a same-day call?