Radiotherapy for metastatic bowel cancer
You might have radiotherapy for bowel cancer that has spread to different parts of the body. This is metastatic or advanced bowel cancer.
Radiotherapy uses high energy rays similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells. It can shrink the cancer, relieve symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.
You have external beam radiotherapy for cancer that has spread. External beam directs radiotherapy beams at the cancer from a machine. This is different to internal radiotherapy which means giving radiotherapy to the cancer from inside the body.
Planning 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.
Having radiotherapy for advanced bowel cancer
Radiotherapy for advanced bowel cancer can shrink the cancer, relieve symptoms, and help you feel more comfortable.
Side effects of radiotherapy for metastatic bowel cancer
Side effects depend on which part of the body you have treatment and the dose of radiotherapy. Side effects tend to start a week after the radiotherapy begins. Your cancer specialist can help to manage any side effects that you experience.
