CureRays
Prostate Cancer Guide
CONTENTS
1. What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a kind of cancer that starts in a small organ called the prostate, found in men below the bladder. The prostate helps make fluid for sperm. When the cells in the prostate start growing out of control, it's called prostate cancer. Many times, prostate cancer is slow-growing and doesn't cause big problems. But in some cases, it can be fast-growing and spread to other parts of the body, which can be very serious.
2. What side effects can I expect?
3. What medicine might I need? (coming soon)
4. What is the supporting evidence?
Prostate Cancer National Guidelines for Patients
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer that most commonly uses high-energy light to destroy cancer cells by bombarding them with invisible energy. Sometimes in combination with hormone deprivation therapy, radiation can improve treatment outcomes by reducing the size of the prostate gland and making cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. Studies have shown that radiation therapy with hormone deprivation can significantly reduce the risk of death from prostate cancer and the chances of biochemical failure, which is the recurrence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood after treatment.
Side Effects

Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for prostate cancer. Radiation therapy aims to kill the cancer cells in the prostate while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. While radiation therapy can be effective, it can also cause side effects. Here is a week-by-week guide to help you understand the side effects that may occur during radiation therapy for prostate cancer:
​
Week 1:
During the first week of radiation therapy, you may not experience any side effects. However, some people may develop mild skin irritation or redness in the treatment area. This can be treated with moisturizers or creams recommended by your healthcare provider.
​
Week 2:
As you enter into the second week of radiation therapy, you may start to feel more tired than usual. This is normal and is caused by the radiation treatment. You may also experience urinary frequency, urgency, or discomfort. These side effects can be managed with medication and dietary changes. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
​
Week 3:
During the third week of radiation therapy, you may notice that the urinary symptoms become more pronounced. You may also experience bowel changes, such as diarrhea. These side effects can be managed with medication and dietary changes. It is important to eat a low-fiber diet and stay hydrated.
​
Week 4:
In the fourth week of radiation therapy, you may experience fatigue, urinary symptoms, and bowel changes again. You may also notice that your skin in the treatment area is still sensitive and may continue to peel. It is important to continue following the skincare routine recommended by your healthcare provider to prevent infection and promote healing.
​
Week 5:
During the fifth week of radiation therapy, you may experience fatigue, urinary symptoms, bowel changes, and skin irritation again. You may also notice that your sense of taste has changed or that you have a metallic taste in your mouth. This can be managed by eating small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods.
​
Week 6-9:
In the final week of radiation therapy, you may experience fatigue, urinary symptoms, bowel changes, and skin irritation again. You may also experience sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. It is important to discuss any sexual dysfunction with your healthcare provider, as there may be treatment options available.
​
After Treatment:
After you have completed radiation therapy for prostate cancer, you may continue to experience side effects for several weeks. You may experience fatigue, urinary symptoms, bowel changes, skin irritation, and sexual dysfunction. It is important to continue to follow the skincare and dietary routines recommended by your healthcare provider. You should also schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor any potential long-term side effects.
Common Medications
AZO is an analgesic used to relieve dysuria symptoms, which are painful urination symptoms, in adults. The standard dose for dysuria relief is 200mg three times a day for up to two days. During radiation this duration is typically prolonged. The drug can also be used as a dye test for identifying urogenital tract injuries or fistulas, and to enhance ureteral and bladder visualization during cystoscopy evaluations. The most common side effects of AZO include headache, stomach upset, and discoloration of urine. AZO use is contraindicated in patients with reduced kidney function, including those on dialysis.

Prostate Cancer Support Group
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meetings via GoToMeeting
3rd Thursday of the Month
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Email: Michael.Mair@commonspirit.org for details
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Mary Peterson, M.A.
Classroom A Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
Every 4th Thursday of each month
4:30-6:00 PM
Email: mary@marypetersonmft.com
Contact Number: 530-478-1880;
Spiritual Counselling
Rev. Karen Lawler
916-450-2665
Appointments available upon request
​​​
Oncology Dietician
Susan Liebert, MS, RD, CSO, CDE
916-962-8868
Appointments available upon request
​
Oncology Nurse Navigators
1-833-DHCINAV / 916-962-8892
​
Transition to Wellness
Via ZOOM
To view dates or to register:
Questions about nutrition, activity or mental health in survivorship?
Meeting via Zoom
Email: tami.krebs@commonspirit.org for details
Metastatic and Advanced Cancer Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
4th Friday of the Month 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Email: Eva.Lukas@commonspirit.org for details
​
Caregiver Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
3rd Friday of the Month 11:00 AM-12:00 AM
Email: Eva.Lukas@commonspirit.org for details
​
Caregiver Support Group
Meeting via Zoom
3rd Friday of the month
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Email: Eva.Lukas@commonspirit.org for details
​
Stress Reduction and Mindfullness Series
Eva Lukas, MA, LMFT
ONCOLOGY CARE THERAPIST
916-537-5262
Appointments available upon request