Skip to content
Radiotherapy Step by Stepุงู„ุนุฑุจูŠุฉ

Under physician review

Patient handout: Prostate Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy Step by Step โ€” 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) โ€” 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.