Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: How It Works, What to Expect, and Side Effects
Posted: September 17, 2025
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight treatment options and support for men facing this common disease. One of the most effective treatments is radiation therapy for prostate cancer. At Cancer Care Northwest, our radiation oncology team uses advanced technology to deliver precise, personalized treatment designed to fight cancer while protecting healthy tissue.
How Radiation Therapy Treats Prostate Cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy prostate cancer cells. It can be recommended as:
- A primary treatment for men with localized prostate cancer.
- A treatment after prostate surgery to target remaining cancer cells.
- A therapy to control advanced cancer or relieve painful symptoms.
What to Expect During Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy
At Cancer Care Northwest, patients typically receive radiation in one of two forms:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): A non-invasive treatment where a machine delivers radiation beams from outside the body. Treatments are painless and usually take only a few minutes each day, five days a week, for several weeks.
- Modern techniques, such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), allow our specialists to focus radiation directly on the prostate, reducing side effects and improving outcomes.
- Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation): Tiny radioactive seeds are placed directly into the prostate, releasing targeted radiation over time.
Your care journey usually includes:
- Treatment planning (simulation): Advanced imaging scans to map the prostate and surrounding organs.
- Daily treatments: Carefully monitored sessions tailored to your treatment plan.
- Follow-up visits: Regular check-ins to evaluate progress and manage side effects.
Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Most men tolerate radiation therapy well, but side effects can occur. These may include:
- Urinary changes: Increased frequency, urgency, or mild discomfort during urination.
- Bowel changes: Loose stools, rectal irritation, or minor bleeding.
- Sexual health changes: Erectile dysfunction may develop over time.
- Fatigue: A temporary but common side effect that usually improves after treatment.
Our oncology team specializes in managing these effects and providing supportive care to help you maintain quality of life during treatment.
Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Care in Spokane
At Cancer Care Northwest, we are committed to guiding men through every step of their prostate cancer treatment. With state-of-the-art radiation therapy and a compassionate, multidisciplinary team, we deliver care designed to treat the cancer while supporting the whole patient.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, contact Cancer Care Northwest to learn more about radiation therapy options and how our specialists can help.
