Learning About Self-Care During Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

If you're starting radiation treatment for prostate cancer, you can expect to come in for treatment most weekdays over several weeks. How you care for yourself during this time can make a real difference in how you feel.

Your doctor will give you instructions for your treatment plan. Let the doctor know if you're having problems with treatment or self-care.

Radiation can irritate your bladder. It can make you urinate more often, have a burning feeling, or see blood in your urine. These symptoms are common and often improve over time.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Limit caffeine and alcohol. They can make symptoms worse. If you get external beam radiation, your doctor may ask you to arrive with a full bladder, so follow their instructions.

Your prostate sits close to your rectum, so radiation can irritate it. You may have diarrhea, loose stools, gas, or rectal discomfort. An empty rectum before each treatment helps the radiation reach the right spot. To ease symptoms, eat on a regular schedule and eat slowly. Don't have carbonated drinks, beer, gum, or hard candy.

Cut back on gas-causing foods like beans, broccoli, and onions. Limit red meat and fried foods. Try lactose-free options if dairy bothers you. Check with your doctor before trying an over-the-counter medicine.

Radiation can sometimes cause erection problems. It doesn't happen to everyone, and it may affect people differently. It's a side effect you may feel embarrassed to talk about. But if you have erection problems and it bothers you, talk to your doctor. There are medicines and other treatments that can help.

Good nutrition helps your body heal and stay strong. Choose foods that are easy to digest. These include white rice, oatmeal, eggs, chicken, fish, and cooked vegetables such as carrots and green beans. Limit raw vegetables and gas-producing foods.

Drink water, decaf coffee or tea, or diluted juice. Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks. Check with your doctor before taking vitamins or supplements.

Radiation can make skin in the treatment area red, dry, or sensitive. Wash it gently with warm water and mild soap. Then pat the skin dry instead of rubbing. Wear loose clothing over the area, and protect it from the sun. Use only creams that your doctor approves. Don't use razors (an electric one is okay), and don't put tape or bandages on the area.

Feeling tired is one of the most common side effects of radiation. It may get worse as treatment goes on. Get enough sleep, rest when you need to, and ask family or friends for help with errands. Short walks may help, but listen to your body and don't push too hard.

It's common to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed during treatment. Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or counselor. And ask your doctor about support groups you can join. Reaching out for support can help you feel stronger.

Side effects from radiation don't always stop right away. Urinary and bowel symptoms may go on for a while. Fatigue can linger for weeks or months. Keep following your doctor's advice on skin care, diet, and fluids. Don't skip follow-up visits. Discuss any new or worse symptoms at your next visit.