FAQs About Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Q: Will radiation therapy cure my cancer?
Radiation therapy is used to kill cancerous tumors, and may help to cure your cancer. It may be most effective if used with surgery or chemotherapy. Some patients have only radiation therapy, and need no other treatment method if the cancer is detected in an early stage. Your radiation oncologist will let you know the likelihood of a successful outcome based on the stage of your cancer, age, and your general health.
Q: When will I be able to consider myself "cured"?
The general rule of thumb is that a cancer is considered "cured" if you have no signs of the disease for three years after treatment is completed. Longer follow-up is encouraged for prostate cancers because rising PSA and metastatic disease can occur many years later.
Q: Will the radiation therapy cause permanent disabilities or other complications?
Most of the side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer will gradually go away after your treatment ends.
For more information about side effects, click here.
For more FAQs, see Radiation Therapy FAQs.
