Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to destroy anal cancer cells. You usually have radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy.
You might also have radiotherapy for anal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (advanced anal cancer).
Planning your radiotherapy
The radiotherapy team plans your external beam radiotherapy before you start treatment. This means working out the dose of radiotherapy you need and exactly where you need it.
Radiotherapy treatment
External radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells. Read about when and how you have radiotherapy for anal cancer.
Side effects of 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 radiotherapy
Read about long term side effects of external radiotherapy for anal cancer and how to cope with them.