In the treatment of prostate cancer, radiation is often involved, which can be external or internal. External radiation involves the use of an x-ray type machine, which sends rays directly into the area that has been affected by cancer. Internal radiation involves placing radioactive "seeds" into the prostate to destroy the cancer cells. While the two methods are different in application, they share the same side effects.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the first noticeable side effects of radiation treatments. The exact reason for this is not clear, but the American Cancer Society reports that in some cases a tumor can cause the immune system to produce a substance, or chemical, that can induce fatigue. Prostate cancer radiation treatments can exacerbate other conditions as well, such as depression, stress, pain and anemia. When a patient is experiencing extreme fatigue, while undergoing radiation treatments, the physician should do further testing to try and pinpoint the cause of the fatigue, so that the proper treatment for the fatigue can begin. Fatigue is often experienced throughout the entire time of radiation treatments and for several months after treatment has been completed.
Sexual Side Effects
Prostate cancer radiation can also have an effect on the sex life and reproductive potential of the one undergoing treatment. According to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), many men undergoing prostate cancer radiation experience impotence or the inability to maintain an erection. For some it is just a slight decrease in function, but for more than 50 percent the changes can be permanent. Medications can sometimes help with the impotence affect. Patients who want to have children need to discuss treatment options with their doctor, as the SCCA also reports that after prostate cancer radiation treatments you will more than likely be infertile. Some patients choose to have their sperm frozen so they have the option of fathering a child in the future.
Bowel and Bladder Side Effects
The American Cancer Society reports that radiation therapy, both external and seed radiation, can produce side effects that involve the bowel and the bladder. One of the first issues reported is changes in bowel habits. You may experience diarrhea, accompanied by rectal bleeding, or blood-streaked stools. You may also lose some control of the sphincter muscle and experience "leakage" from the rectum. Along with bowel issues, you may also experience an increase in urination, accompanied by blood in the urine and a burning sensation. It is also reported that these issues often go away after radiation treatment has ceased, but in a small percentage of cases (one to three percent) the problems remain permanently. A report posted by "Zero: The Project to End Prostate Cancer" states that men who underwent the seed implant method of radiation had a greater risk of developing urinary incontinence than those who underwent external radiation.
