prostate cancer - RADIOTHERAPY side effects
Watch the video below to hear from Dr John Frew, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Northern Centre for Cancer Care, who provides lots of useful information to help you prepare and manage any side effects.
Managing side effects after radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Tiredness
- This can develop 3 to 4 weeks after treatment starts and may peak a few weeks after treatment finishes, but may also last longer
- Get plenty of rest, balanced with regular short walks
Bladder effects
- You may need to pass urine more frequently
- You may have a burning feeling or urgency
- Drink regular fluids but avoid caffeine & alcohol
Bowel effects
- You may experience some rectal irritation
- You may get diarrhoea, wind, tummy cramps and bleeding
- Drinking fluids can help but avoid caffeine and alcohol
- You may be advised to make changes to your diet, such as eating less fibre
Skin effects
- The skin in the treatment area may become moist, sore and itchy
- Your care team can prescribe cream, dressings and pain killers
- Pubic hair may fall out, but it will grow back after treatment is finished
Sexual function
- Hormone therapy can reduce sex drive and the ability to form meaningful erections
- This can be a short or long term problem
- Help is available through your GP or specialist clinics
Late effects
- A minority of people may continue to experience issues with passing urine including increased frequency, urgency, nighttime waking, blood in the urine, leakage and incontinence. Narrowing of the urethra can also cause a weak stream or difficulty urinating.
- You may experience bowel changes including loose and frequent bowel movements, rectal inflammation, bleeding, mucus discharge or urgency.
- You may continue to experience pelvic pain and fatigue
- Radiotherapy to the pelvis can narrow the blood vessels to the penis which can permanently affect your ability to get or keep an erection.
- Expert bowel and urology doctors are available to help manage these symptoms
Freeman Hospital, Freeman Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England NE7 7DN, United Kingdom.