Radiotherapy for anal cancer
Radiotherapy is a common treatment for anal cancer. It uses high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. You usually have external radiotherapy. This means using radiation from a machine to destroy the cancer.
For anal cancer, you usually have radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy). You might also have radiotherapy for anal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (advanced anal cancer).
Having radiotherapy for anal cancer
You may have it with chemotherapy as your first treatment for anal cancer. Or on it's own for anal cancer that has spread elsewhere in your body. You have a planning appointment and a CT scan before you start radiotherapy.
Side effects of anal cancer radiotherapy
Radiotherapy for anal cancer can cause side effects such as, opening your bowels more often (diarrhoea) and sore skin around your anus.
Long term side effects of anal cancer radiotherapy
External radiotherapy for anal cancer can cause long term side effects. But your doctor or specialist nurse can tell you how to manage them.
