How long does radiotherapy take to work for womb cancer?

Womb cancer, also called endometrial cancer, starts in the lining of the uterus. Radiotherapy may be used after surgery, before or instead of an operation in selected situations, or to relieve symptoms. The schedule depends on the part of the womb or pelvis being treated and the goal of treatment.

Radiation can damage cancer cells over time, so a visible change is not expected after every appointment. Your team may assess bleeding, pain, discharge, bladder or bowel symptoms, and general recovery. Imaging, when needed, is interpreted alongside the examination because inflammation can temporarily affect how tissues look.

Follow the appointment plan and tell the team before a session if you are unwell, have diarrhoea, or cannot manage fluids. Use only recommended skin or vaginal-care products, keep hydrated if your clinicians allow it, and record bleeding, pain, bowel changes, or urinary symptoms.

Arrange support for travel and rest when fatigue increases. Keep follow-up visits after treatment, because they allow the team to review healing and decide whether further tests or treatment are needed.

Contact your oncology team promptly for heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or new difficulty passing urine or stool. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, or breathing difficulty.

Ask what the radiotherapy is intended to achieve, when your first response review will occur, and which examination or scan will be used. Ask how to manage bowel, bladder, vaginal, or skin changes and which number to call overnight.