What to expect from radiotherapy for womb cancer

A planning visit may include scans and small skin marks or a mould to help you lie in the same position. External radiotherapy uses a machine aimed at the pelvis; the session itself is usually brief, but appointments include positioning and checks. Internal radiotherapy, also called brachytherapy, places a radiation source inside the vagina for a carefully planned period. Your team will explain which approach fits the cancer, previous surgery and overall health.

Treatment does not usually hurt while the radiation is delivered. Tiredness, loose stools, bladder irritation, and skin soreness can develop as treatment continues. Vaginal dryness or narrowing may occur later, so ask about exercises or a dilator if your team recommends one.

Attend planning and review appointments, take medicines as prescribed, and tell the team about bowel or bladder problems before sessions begin. Keep the treated skin clean and use only products approved by the radiotherapy team. Drink according to their advice, choose easy-to-digest foods if your bowel is unsettled, and pace activities with rest. Do not stop treatment or start supplements without discussing them with your oncology team.

Contact the team promptly if diarrhoea continues, you cannot keep fluids down, passing urine becomes painful or difficult, pelvic pain increases, or the skin becomes broken. Seek urgent help for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe weakness, confusion, fever, or sudden difficulty breathing. Use the emergency number given by your hospital if symptoms feel immediately dangerous.

Ask which radiotherapy type you will receive, how the pelvis will be protected, what bowel and bladder changes to report, and whether treatment affects intimacy or fertility. Ask who to call outside appointments and what follow-up examinations will check.