Treatment

Radiotherapy

Alt names: Radiation Therapy

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy uses powerful x-rays and other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells using a machine called a 'Linear Accelerator'. Damaging the cancer cells means that they cannot grow or multiply and so they die. Normal cells are also damaged in this procedure but usually recover.

A number of tests will be carried out to see if radiation therapy will help, including:

• Checking pathology reports
• Doing a CEA test
• Chest X-ray
• CAT scans of abdomen and pelvis
• Bone scans

Tests are done so that the doctor can work out the right amount of radiation to use, and where it should go while limiting radiation to the bladder and other surrounding organs . The main problem with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is that the rays can kill healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

Usually the treatment is given every weekday for 4 to 6 weeks. It doesn't hurt, and it doesn't take long - the worst part is probably hanging around the hospital, waiting.

What are the side effects?

The bowel and bladder lie next to the prostate gland and during radiotherapy some of the normal cells of the bowel or bladder may be damaged due to their proximity to the prostate. Although care is taken so that radiation does not affect these areas, sometimes it is unavoidable.

Short-term side effects may include:

• A burning feeling when urinating or the need to urinate more often;
• Bowel movements may become looser and more frequent, and there may be spots of blood and discomfort when emptying the bowel.
• Many people may also feel a loss of energy and increased lethargy during radiation therapy but this should remedy soon after treatment.
• For most people side effects will settle within about a month of completing treatment, although it may other people longer.

Long-term side effects may include:

A small number of men may develop long term complications from radiation therapy such as frequent rectal bleeding or other bowel problems. Some men may find that treatment affects their sexual function, including erectile dysfunction and discomfort or a lack of fluid during ejaculation.

Side effects of Radiation Therapy will differ between men and so it is impossible to determine who will have other side effects

If you suffer any side effects it is important you let your doctor know as soon as possible so that appropriate help can be given.

The Cancer Council's booklet Understanding Radiotherapy talks about ways to manage side effects. Phone 13 11 20 for a copy