Radiation to treat prostate cancer

External radiotherapy aims radiation at the prostate or another planned area from outside the body. Brachytherapy places a radiation source in or close to the prostate for a defined treatment plan. Targeted radioisotope therapy uses a radioactive medicine that travels to selected cancer cells and is considered only for suitable situations. Treatment can be combined with hormone therapy or surgery decisions according to the cancer assessment.

Urinary frequency, urgency or burning, bowel changes, tiredness and sexual changes can occur. The likelihood and timing vary by technique and by your existing urinary and bowel health. A treatment team will explain preparation, monitoring and ways to manage effects.

Discuss your scans, biopsy information, urinary flow, bowel health, previous treatment and priorities with the oncology team. Tell them about difficulty passing urine, medicines and implanted devices. Ask whether you need bladder or bowel preparation, what activity is reasonable, and whether any radiation-safety instructions apply after a radioactive medicine or implanted treatment. Do not stop regular medicines without advice.

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, develop severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting or sudden weakness. Contact the treatment team promptly for fever, worsening urinary symptoms, blood in urine or stool, persistent diarrhoea, new severe bone pain or a symptom that prevents eating, drinking or normal activity.

Ask which radiation approach fits the location and extent of your cancer, whether hormone treatment is needed, how urinary and bowel function will be protected, how many visits are expected, what safety precautions apply, and how treatment will be followed afterward.