When is brachytherapy recommended for womb cancer?

Womb cancer, also called endometrial cancer, begins in the lining of the womb. Brachytherapy delivers radiation through an applicator placed in the vagina, allowing the treatment area to receive focused radiation. For some people it is used after surgery to reduce the chance of cancer returning in the upper vagina; for others it is combined with external radiation or used when cancer is still present.

The recommendation is based on the pathology report, tumour grade and depth, lymph-node or nearby-tissue findings, scan results, previous treatment, and your health. The radiation specialist will explain whether the aim is reducing recurrence risk or treating known disease.

Ask your team to explain the pathology features that led to the recommendation. Tell them about vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, infection symptoms, previous pelvic surgery, medicines that affect bleeding, and any concerns about examinations. Confirm whether the procedure is done awake, with sedation, or under anaesthesia.

Follow instructions about food, drink, medication, and transport. Use vaginal moisturisers, dilators, or other aftercare only when advised. Changes in discharge, dryness, or sexual comfort can be managed with support, so mention them at follow-up rather than waiting for them to become difficult.

Contact your treatment team promptly for increasing bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe pelvic pain, difficulty passing urine, or persistent vomiting. Seek urgent help for fainting, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or sudden breathing difficulty.

After an applicator procedure, keep the area clean as instructed and avoid inserting anything into the vagina unless your clinicians permit it. Report unexpected bleeding or a concern that the applicator has shifted while you are receiving treatment.

Is the goal to reduce return of cancer or treat disease that is present? Will I need external radiation or another treatment too? How many visits are planned, what preparation is needed, and which symptoms should trigger a call?