Radiotherapy for womb cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy rays similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells.

You might have radiotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Or you may have radiotherapy to help control the symptoms of advanced cancer.

You might have internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy), external radiotherapy, or both.

Having external radiotherapy for womb cancer

You have radiotherapy in the hospital radiotherapy department as an outpatient. You have the treatment in short sessions each day from Monday to Friday usually for 4 to 5 weeks.

Side effects of external radiotherapy - womb cancer

Side effects of radiotherapy for womb cancer vary from person to person. Possible side effects include tiredness, diarrhoea, feeling and being sick, bladder problems and vaginal bleeding. 

Internal radiotherapy

Internal radiotherapy means giving radiotherapy from inside your body. It is also called brachytherapy.

Side effects of internal radiotherapy

Side effects of internal radiotherapy tend to happen about 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. They are usually mild and last for a few days or weeks.

Last reviewed: 
30 Jan 2022
Next review due: 
10 Feb 2024