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How to manage the side effects of radiotherapy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have just completed my first round of radiation therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer. I am on hormone therapy as well. I have been experiencing significant fatigue, frequent loose stools, and some rectal bleeding after bowel movements. The radiation oncologist says these are normal side effects, but I am worried about completing all 39 planned sessions. My most recent PSA is down to 0.9 ng/mL. How long do these side effects typically last, and what can I do to manage them better? I am also concerned about the long-term impact on sexual function, as I am still sexually active. Please help.

Thanks.
Answered by Dr. Mona Kamal

Education:

Master in Pathology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mona Kamal is a highly experienced pathologist and general practitioner with over 41 years of clinical expertise. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch.B.) degree in 1982 and a Master’s degree in Pathology in 1989, both from Alexandria University, Egypt. Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Kamal has consulted with over 200 patients, demonstrating a strong commitment to accurate diagnostics and comprehensive patient care. She currently practices at Shifa Lab in Alexandria, where she applies her deep knowledge of pathology alongside general medicine to provide precise and compassionate healthcare services.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Most of the side effects are mild and tolerable. Potential side effects of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer may include:

  1. Frequent urination.

  2. Difficult or painful urination.

  3. Blood in the urine.

  4. Urinary leakage.

  5. Abdominal cramping.

  6. Diarrhea.

  7. Painful bowel.

  8. Rectal bleeding.

  9. Rectal leaking.

  10. Fatigue.

  11. Sexual dysfunction, including diminished erectile function or a decrease in the volume of semen.

  12. Skin reactions (similar to a sunburn).

  13. Secondary cancers in the region of the radiation.

The side effects tend to start a week or two after radiotherapy begins. They gradually develop during the treatment and for a couple of weeks after treatment ends. However, they usually start to improve around two weeks after treatment finishes.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Mona Kamal
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 4, 2025
Reviewed At January 7, 2026

Education:

Master in Pathology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mona Kamal is a highly experienced pathologist and general practitioner with over 41 years of clinical expertise. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch.B.) degree in 1982 and a Master’s degree in Pathology in 1989, both from Alexandria University, Egypt. Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Kamal has consulted with over 200 patients, demonstrating a strong commitment to accurate diagnostics and comprehensive patient care. She currently practices at Shifa Lab in Alexandria, where she applies her deep knowledge of pathology alongside general medicine to provide precise and compassionate healthcare services.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Mona Kamal

Pathology

Education:

Master in Pathology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mona Kamal is a highly experienced pathologist and general practitioner with over 41 years of clinical expertise. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch.B.) degree in 1982 and a Master’s degree in Pathology in 1989, both from Alexandria University, Egypt. Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Kamal has consulted with over 200 patients, demonstrating a strong commitment to accurate diagnostics and comprehensive patient care. She currently practices at Shifa Lab in Alexandria, where she applies her deep knowledge of pathology alongside general medicine to provide precise and compassionate healthcare services.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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