When is radiotherapy recommended for womb cancer?

The plan depends on the cancer’s grade, stage, location and pathology, as well as your general health and previous treatment. External radiotherapy treats a planned area from outside the body. Internal radiotherapy, also called brachytherapy, places a radiation source close to the area needing treatment. Your team may use one method or discuss both, sometimes alongside surgery or medicines.

Ask your gynaecological oncology team to explain the pathology and the purpose of radiation in your plan. Tell them about bowel or bladder conditions, medicines and any possibility of pregnancy. Ask how the pelvis will be planned, what appointments involve, how to manage bowel and bladder changes, and when follow-up will take place.

Contact your treatment team promptly for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting, or diarrhoea that is difficult to control. During treatment, report new bleeding, skin soreness or worsening bowel and bladder symptoms so supportive treatment can be arranged.

Ask whether radiation is being used after surgery, instead of surgery, or for symptom relief; which technique is proposed; which organs need protection; and how your other treatments affect timing. Ask what changes are expected and which ones need urgent review.