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Radiation therapy can be used alone, or in combination
with other treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery or
hormonal therapy. Radiation, alone or in combination with
drugs, interferes with the ability of the cancer cell to
divide and grow.
Radiation sessions are usually delivered 5 times each week (Mon. thru Fri.). This schedule allows the healthy cells time to recover over the weekend (cancer cells are not as efficient at repairing themselves as normal cells). Each session lasts about 15 minutes and the entire treatment program lasts 7 to 8 weeks.
For many men with localized prostate cancer, radiation offers
effective treatment without the risk and recovery time associated
with surgery.
Radiation appears to have the same success rates as surgery
for a man whose life expectancy is 7 - 10 years. There is much
debate however regarding its effectiveness (with comparison
to surgery) following the 7 - 10 year period. |
With external beam radiation, there is a 25% to 50% chance of developing impotence. This is caused by damage from radiation to the small blood vessels and nerves responsible for erection.For
more information on impotence visit the Support section of
the Prostate Centre.
Some men begin to experience fatigue toward the
end of the radiation treatments, but most can manage
their daily routine. There is a 10 - 15% chance of
developing bladder irritation (burning with urination,
or an urgency to urinate) and/or rectal irritation
(pain, frequent bowel movements). Some patients may
also experience diarrhea, worsening of hemorroids
and/or stomach upset. Most often, these side effects
are mild and disappear following completion of treatment. |
