Pelvic Radiation Therapy_draft under review

Read the information in the draft pamphlet or below regarding information about Pelvic Radiation then answer a few simple questions at the end. Thank you for helping us!

You can send us your feedback up to January 17, 2025.

To download the draft pamphlet click here: https://www.engage4health.ca/43333/widgets/185793/documents/145336

Pelvic Radiation Patient Information_draft

What Happens During My Simulation Markings Appointment?

Your first visit to the radiation therapy department is called your simulation markings appointment. This appointment will take about 45 minutes. Follow any instructions you are given about your bladder and bowel preparation.

During this visit, you will have a CT scan (a special kind of X-ray) while lying on your back with your arms above your head. It's important that you stay still during the scan. Your Radiation Therapists will make sure you are as comfortable as possible and will explain everything they are doing. The CT scan will help them plan your radiation treatments.

At the end of your appointment, your Radiation Therapists may give you small tattoo markings. These are used to help position you the same way for each treatment. After your appointment, you might have some extra ink on your skin, but it will wash off when you get home.

If you have any questions, your radiation treatment team will be happy to answer them. You can also bring someone with you to your appointment for support.

When Will My Radiation Treatments Begin?

After your simulation markings appointment, you will usually wait a few weeks before your treatments start. This is because it takes time to create a treatment plan just for you. You will be notified of your treatment start date once the plan is ready, and the machine has been scheduled. The team will try to start your treatments as soon as possible.

How Long Will My Radiation Treatments Take?

Your radiation treatments will usually last between 1 and 7 weeks. Treatments are usually given 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), but this might change depending on the holidays. Each treatment will take about 15 to 45 minutes.

If you need to see your Radiation Oncologist or Oncology Nurse on the same day, your visit might take longer.

What Side Effects Can I Expect?

Radiation to the pelvic area usually causes mild to moderate side effects. Most people start noticing side effects about halfway through their treatments. These side effects tend to get worse in the 1 or 2 weeks after your treatment ends and may go away in the next 4 to 8 weeks. If you have any questions during your treatments, ask your radiation treatment team.

Here are some common side effects:

Fatigue (Tiredness): You may feel more tired than usual and might need extra rest after your treatments. The level of tiredness can be different for each person.

For more information on managing fatigue, you can read the pamphlet on Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue here:
Nova Scotia Health: Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue

Skin Reaction: Your skin in the treatment area may get dry, itchy, or pink. Some people may notice the skin getting darker (called hyperpigmentation). You can still wash and bathe but try not to scratch the area. Your tattoo marks will not wash off.

For tips on caring for your skin during radiation, read the Skin Care During Radiation Therapy pamphlet here:
Nova Scotia Health: Skin Care During Radiation Therapy

Irritation of the Anus: If you feel irritation in this area, ask your team for advice on how to manage it.

Irritation of the Bladder or Bowel: Some people feel more frequent urination or diarrhea toward the end of treatment. You might feel discomfort or pain during bowel movements or when you urinate. Your team will give you tips on how to deal with these changes.

For more information, read the pamphlet on Managing Diarrhea here:
Nova Scotia Health: Diarrhea

For bladder irritation, read the pamphlet on Managing Cystitis here:
Nova Scotia Health: Cystitis

Will Radiation Treatments Affect My Sexual Health?

Cancer treatments, including radiation, can cause changes in your sexual health. These changes can happen during treatment and may last for a while after treatment ends. You might not feel interested in sexual activity, or it could feel different than before. Sometimes, people experience changes in how they view themselves or in how their partner reacts. If you want to talk about this, ask your radiation therapy team for help.

Vulvar/vaginal tissue:

The vagina might get dryer and more irritated, which can have sex uncomfortable. If it hurts, take a break from sexual activity until you feel better.
Your menstrual cycle (period) may become irregular or stop during treatment. Sometimes, radiation can lead to early menopause (when periods stop permanently).
After treatment, your vagina might become narrower or less flexible. You might need to use a vaginal dilator to help keep things comfortable.

Penile tissue :

Some people may have trouble getting or keeping an erection after radiation. This can happen because the radiation affects the nerves and blood vessels. These changes may not happen right away and could take months or even years to show up.
If this happens, talk to your radiation team early. There are ways to help with this, and it's better to start treatment sooner rather than later.

Will Radiation Treatments Affect My Ability to Have Children?

If you are worried about how radiation might affect your fertility (ability to have children), talk to your Oncologist. It’s important to discuss this before you start treatment, so you can make plans if needed. If fertility preservation is important to you, your treatment may need to be delayed until you can meet with the fertility specialists.

Helpful Resources

Books:

Lives Interrupted: Women and Gynaecological Cancer by David Allen and Genevieve Green, 2018
The Gynaecological Cancer Guide: Sex, Sanity and Survival by Margaret Heffernan & Michael Quinn, 2012
Woman Cancer Sex by Anne Katz, 2009

Websites:

You can also find more information and helpful resources on the Nova Scotia Health website:
Nova Scotia Health: Cancer Care Program

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about what you’ve read, please talk to your radiation treatment team during your next appointment.