Calvary Mater Newcastle
Rectum cancer
Supporting you during treatment
You will be reviewed regularly during your treatment by your team.
Please report any concerns to the triage nurse or to the radiation therapists on your treatment unit prior to having your treatment.
We are here to support you whilst you undergo radiation therapy. If you have medical conditions that are not cancer related please continue to seek advice from your general practitioner.
If at any time you feel you are very unwell, you should not wait until your next radiation therapy appointment. Please go to your nearest emergency department.
If you are worried about anything, or are unsure of how to manage, please speak to the triage nurse or call us on:
Managing side effects
Radiation therapy side effects vary from person to person. The following are some common side effects.
During radiation therapy the skin in the treatment area may become red and sore. It is important not to use anything on your skin which may cause irritation. Use only the products advised by the staff.
Hair loss may occur in the treatment area.
Please follow these guidelines:
Do:
- Use mild, unscented, non-alcohol based soap.
- Use warm water, rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Use a moisturiser, like sorbolene with 10% glycerine, which does not contain perfumes or additives and is a thin lotion not a thick cream.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Do not:
- Use any tape or band aids on the treatment area.
- Rub, scrub or scratch the skin in the treatment area.
- Use any creams, lotions, powders etc. unless recommended by your treatment team.
- Use hot packs, hot water bottles, hot water, cold packs or ice packs on the treatment area.
If part of the bowel is in the radiation field you may experience some bowel irritation.
Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- More flatus (wind) than normal
- Blood or mucous in the motions
- Diarrhoea / constipation
- Please ask the triage nurse to assist with management if these symptoms occur.
- Some dietary changes may be necessary. You may be seen by a dietitian early in your treatment.
If part of the bladder is in the radiation field you may experience some urinary changes as a result of bladder irritation.
Symptoms can include a ‘burning sensation’ when urinating and some people may feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night.
Some people experience particles in the urine.
- Please ask the Triage Nurse to assist with management if these symptoms occur.
- Maintaining your fluid intake during the day can ease symptoms.
- Cranberry juice may help with minimising the risk of infection occurring.
- Urinary alkalisers e.g. Ural may be recommended.
- If symptoms present, urine may be tested for infection.
- If an infection is present, antibiotics or other medication may be prescribed.
It is not unusual to feel tired while you are having treatment.
- Rest if necessary.
- See the triage nurse for more information.
After your treatment
After you have completed your radiation therapy it is important to remember to manage your symptoms until they have subsided.
The skin reaction may become worse after treatment has finished. Continue your skin care regime until the skin heals.
Always keep the treated area out of direct sunlight.
What will happen after radiation therapy?
At your last ‘On Treatment Review’ appointment, your doctor will decide on the appropriate follow-up care.
Further information
For further information visit eviQ Cancer Treatments Online, provided by the Cancer Institute NSW.