What to expect from brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Brachytherapy places a radiation source close to the cervix and nearby treatment area, so the dose is directed where it is needed. Your team may use an applicator through the vagina and cervix; the exact arrangement depends on the tumour's position and your previous treatment. Imaging can help confirm placement before radiation is delivered. The applicator is removed after each session, so it is not left inside you between appointments.

You may receive pain relief, sedation or anaesthesia. A session can involve positioning, applicator placement, imaging, radiation delivery and recovery. Your oncology team will explain whether you need to attend as a day patient or remain at the centre for observation.

Follow the instructions about eating, drinking and medicines, especially if sedation or anaesthesia is planned. Arrange a responsible adult to take you home if your team advises this, and wear loose clothing. After treatment, mild cramping, pelvic soreness, tiredness or light vaginal spotting may occur. Use only the pads, medicines and hygiene products recommended by your team, and keep follow-up appointments so symptoms and healing can be checked.

Contact your treatment centre promptly for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, difficulty passing urine or new bowel problems. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe weakness, breathing difficulty or pain that is rapidly worsening. Keep the centre's emergency number available because instructions can differ after each session.

Ask which applicator will be used, what anaesthesia or pain control is planned, how long recovery may take, whether you need someone with you afterward, and which activities or vaginal products to avoid while the treatment area heals.