Prostate cancer. You hear the words and have the diagnosis. What comes next?
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 men in the U.S. will receive this life-changing diagnosis and face uncertainty, questions, and important choices they must make about their health.1
If you are wondering about radiation therapy and how it will affect you and your life, you are not alone. Our team at Advocate Radiation Oncology is here to demystify the radiation therapy process at every step.
Below, we have compiled some of the top questions we receive from our patients and their families. Remember – no question is wrong. To us, it’s personal, too.
What Is Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer?
This treatment uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate. The goal is to eliminate cancer while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.How Effective Is Radiation Therapy In Treating Prostate Cancer?
Radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment, especially in early-stage prostate cancer. In fact, many men who are treated early achieve remission and long-term survival. Recent research shows radiation therapy can be as effective as surgery for many men with prostate cancer. When cancer is more advanced, radiation may control cancer growth, slow disease progression, and ease symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and urinary problems.Are There Different Types Of Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer?
Yes. There are several radiation therapy options available to treat prostate cancer, including:- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers radiation beams from outside the body to target cancer cells
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Uses focused radiation in fewer sessions, often for small, localized areas where cancer has spread
- High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR): Places tiny radioactive sources directly into the prostate to deliver high doses of radiation over a short time
How Long Does Radiation Treatment Take?
The length of your treatment depends on your cancer and the kind of radiation therapy you need. Some treatments may take a few weeks, while others, like SBRT, may be completed in as few as five sessions.2 The radiation sessions themselves typically last less than 30 minutes each.What Side Effects Should I Expect?
Side effects of radiation vary from person to person. The most common ones include:- Fatigue
- Bowel changes, which may include occasional gas or diarrhea
- Sexual changes, like reduced semen volume and difficulty getting an erection
- Urination changes, such as urgency and increased frequency
Can I Keep Up With My Daily Routine During Treatment?
Yes, in most cases men continue to work and follow through with their usual activities during radiation therapy.Can Radiation Therapy Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes. While radiation therapy is sometimes the only necessary treatment for prostate cancer, doctors may administer it alongside other options, such as surgery or chemotherapy.Can I Have Sex During Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer?
Yes, you can usually continue having sex during radiation therapy for cancer, including prostate cancer.3 The treatment itself does not require sexual abstinence. However, some men may experience erectile dysfunction during and after treatment. If you are experiencing challenges, speak openly with your care team about available support and treatment options.Will I Need Follow-Up Care After Radiation?
After completing radiation therapy, ongoing follow-up care is essential to monitor your recovery and long-term health. These check-ins may include:- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests to check for recurrence
- Physical exams and imaging if needed
- Management of long-term side effects, such as urinary or sexual changes
Can Radiation Therapy Cure Prostate Cancer?
Radiation therapy is an effective way to treat prostate cancer, especially when cancer is detected early. Many men achieve remission and go on to live long, healthy lives. For more advanced prostate cancer, radiation may not cure the disease completely, but it can slow its growth, ease symptoms, and help you live longer with an improved quality of life.
Explore Your Next Steps
Radiation therapy is one of the most effective options to treat prostate cancer, and understanding your choices is a critical step in moving forward. At Advocate Radiation Oncology, we are here to help you make confident and informed decisions about your personalized treatment strategy.
Contact us to learn more about your prostate cancer treatment options.
References
1 The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team (2025) Key statistics for prostate cancer: Prostate cancer facts| American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
2 Reynolds, S. (2024) SBRT proves effective for some prostate cancers – NCI. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/prostate-cancer-sbrt-effective-safe
3 Buhl, L. (2023) Sexual health issues in men and cancer treatment – side effects, – NCI. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sexuality-men
Dr. Todd Pezzi first became interested in oncology at a young age after seeing cancer impact his own family. He is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art oncologic care to the residents of Southwest Florida.
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO is a board-certified radiation oncologist who provides world class cancer treatment in a caring community setting. He values the personal relationships he forms with each of his patients and is committed to helping them in their fight against cancer. Dr. Klein is an advocate for his patients both in and out of the clinic. He has raised awareness on news broadcasts, lobbied for cancer patients’ rights on Capitol Hill, and educated physicians around the country on making better treatment decisions for their patients.
