Patient handout: Prostate Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy Step by Step — Designed for radiation oncologists to use in clinic
An effective treatment for prostate cancer, given as daily sessions with simple bladder and bowel preparation.
Why radiotherapy is used
- Radiotherapy is a main option for prostate cancer and can be curative on its own or combined with hormone therapy.
- It is sometimes used after surgery to remove the prostate if needed.
- Your doctor decides the best option based on the disease stage, grade, and your general health.
The area being treated
- The prostate gland, and sometimes the nearby seminal vesicles.
- In some cases the pelvic lymph nodes are treated.
- The prostate sits close to the bladder and rectum, so planning focuses on protecting them.
How to prepare
- Follow the instructions on drinking water and timing your full bladder before each session.
- Keep your bowels regular with a balanced diet, and tell the team about constipation or diarrhea so it can be managed.
- Avoid foods that irritate your bowel or bladder if you notice they worsen symptoms.
- Discuss any blood-thinning medication or previous urinary problems with your team.
Early (acute) side effects
- Urinary symptoms: frequency, urgency, burning, or a weaker urine stream.
- Bowel symptoms: looser stools, urgency, or discomfort when opening the bowels.
- Fatigue that builds up as treatment progresses.
- Mild skin irritation in the perineal area at times.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will I need hormone therapy with the radiation? And why?
- How many sessions, and would a short schedule (SBRT) suit me?
- What is the expected effect on my urinary and sexual function?
- Is a rectal spacer an option for me?
- Should I consider sperm banking?
When to contact us immediately
- Being unable to pass urine at all (urinary retention) — needs urgent assessment
- Fever with urinary symptoms (may indicate a urinary infection)
- Visible, ongoing blood in the urine or stool
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that does not settle
If any of these appear, contact your treatment team immediately or go to the emergency department.