Bladder problems following radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Hi Billnick3

My name is Gemma, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Thanks for getting in touch about your symptoms after radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.

Like all treatments for prostate cancer, radiotherapy can cause side effects. These will affect each man differently, and you might not get all the possible side effects. Side effects happen when the healthy tissue near the prostate is damaged by radiotherapy. 

We always advise contacting your clinical team/GP with new or continuing urinary symptoms, there may be something they can prescribe or suggest how to manage this.

We would also advise getting your swollen legs examined by a doctor as there is a small chance that fluid might build up in your legs if your lymph nodes were also treated by radiotherapy. 

Sometimes swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs) can be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis, If you are concerned please call NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Once you have checked your symptoms with a medical professional you can look at other ways of managing bladder problems, pelvic floor exercises for example can help urinary problems.

Prostate Cancer UK also has a great support line that you can access for further information.

I hope this information is helpful, sometimes it can be good to talk through what’s happening. If you think it would help you can call us free on 0808 808 0000. Our line is open every day 8 am-8 pm. You can also contact us by email or Webchat and we aim to reply to your email within two working days.

Best wishes

Gemma

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm), send us an email or contact us through webchat.

Ref GeS/AP