Radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Commonly asked questions answered by Associate Professor Raphael Chee
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to encourage discussions around men’s health.
What is Radiation Therapy
High energy radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells with the goal of shrinking or eliminating tumours while minimising damage to healthy tissue.1 This approach involves two types of treatment: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy.1 Each method delivers radiation differently, aiming to effectively treat cancer while preserving surrounding healthy areas.1 Learn more about EBRT and brachytherapy.
Why have I not been offered prostate surgery?
To provide you with the best care, your specialist will assemble a team of experienced professionals to tailor your prostate cancer treatment to your specific preferences and needs.2 This team will review various treatment options with you, detailing their potential outcomes, timelines, side effects, risks, and benefits. They may also recommend participating in a clinical trial.2
Be sure to inform them of any complementary therapies you’re considering, as some might affect your treatment.2
You can ask for more time to make your decision and getting second opinions from both a radiation oncologist and a urologist could help ensure a well-rounded view of your options, as combining different treatments may yield the best results for your circumstances.2
I see family, including grandchildren, quite often throughout the week and I'm having radiation therapy. Do I need to stay away?
This depends on the type of radiation therapy you get. External beam radiation therapy does not make you radioactive, so there is no risk to your loved ones.3 This means you can feel comfortable being around family and friends without worrying about exposing them to radiation.
You may need to stay away from family members if you are receiving brachytherapy.4 Ask your radiation oncologist what is best for you and your family based on your treatment plan.
How might I feel during radiation therapy? Is radiation therapy painful?
Radiation therapy is a deeply personal journey, and each person's experience can be unique, with varying effects and responses along the way. Receiving radiation therapy is not painful, it feels like having an x-ray and you may hear buzzing. There may be side effects afterwards for all types of radiation therapy, but there may be a little discomfort during brachytherapy - though no pain.3
How might I feel after radiation therapy?
Depending on aspects of your treatment, side effect profiles will be discussed, some of which are seen below.1 In general, treatment may affect your energy levels, and symptoms related to urination and the bowels.1 You should be able to perform your normal daily activities, including exercise.3
What side effects might I experience?
Short term side effects that may be experienced after radiation therapy for prostate cancer may include:1
- Fatigue
- Urinary problems
- Bowel changes
- Ejaculation changes
Long term side effects that may be experienced after radiation therapy for prostate cancer may include:1
- Infertility
- Urinary problems
- Bowel changes
- Erection problems
How will I know if radiation therapy is working?
Your radiation oncologist should explain this during your discussion of treatment. Outcomes depend on the intent of your treatment, whether it’s for cure or for management of symptoms. This helps determine the timeline for perceived benefit from your treatment. Your blood PSA levels may also be utilised to monitor response and as a surrogate to determine cancer activity.5
Will radiation therapy affect my ability to procreate or have sexual intercourse?
Radiation therapy to the prostate can sometimes affect erectile function, though there are management options that can be discussed.1 It may (not necessarily will) affect fertility so if this is desired, then you should discuss with your radiation oncologist options for sperm banking.1
Find out more
View our prostate cancer page
A/Prof Raphael Chee
Radiation Oncologist
MBBS, FRANZCR
Centres
GenesisCare Hollywood
GenesisCare Murdoch
(Fiona Stanley Hospital)
