Side Effects Of Radiotherapy Treatment For Prostate Cancer

Webmd explains the use of radiation therapy for prostate cancer including internal and external radiation therapy how radiation therapy is performed side effects risks and more.

Side effects of radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.

Side effects tend to start a week or 2 after the radiotherapy begins. However these radiotherapy side effects are less common and occur only when the radiation damages your body. These rates do not appear to be affected in the long term by the use of short term 4 to 6 months hormone therapy but will be affected by the use of long term 18 to 36 months. Most side effects are temporary can be controlled and generally improve over time once treatment has ended.

They gradually get worse during the treatment and for a couple of weeks after the treatment ends. There are short term prostate cancer treatment side effects that subside over time as well as long term side effects that can last for years. Long term side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer studies show that over time men who have undergone this procedure tend to develop long term side effects. Side effects of external radiotherapy.

Prostate cancer treatment side effects include erectile dysfunction incontinence urinary issues diarrhea hot flashes weight gain loss of muscle vomiting and hair loss. Radiotherapy to the prostate can cause some side effects such as loose or watery poo diarrhoea and passing wee urine more often.