Question 1

how many radiation therapy sessions does prostate cancer usually take?

Accepted Answer

Around 35: This depends on the radiation oncologist but the standard external beam radiation to the prostate takes around 7 weeks with 5 treatments per week. The number may go up or down somewhat based of the individuals tolerance to the treatment and if the treatment was intensity modulated or 3d conformal.

Question 2

prostate cancer diagnosis at level 7, is this bad? what is cure rate with radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Do you mean: Gleason grade 7? Prognosis of prostate cancer, like other cancers depend on the stage more than on the grade. Please see this site for information on this subject.
http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-survival-rates-what-they-mean

Question 3

prostate cancer - are there side effects of radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Fatigue, urinary and bowel symptoms are common with external beam radiation but are typically mild and transient. Urinary symptoms may be more intense with "seeds" (brachytherapy) but quality of life studies show return to baseline symptoms within months after implant. Long term side effects may include blood in urine or stool or development of bladder cancer (after 10-20 years).

Question 4

could the radiation therapy for my prostate cancer be giving me radiation prostatitis?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: I'm not sure exactly what you are referring to by radiation prostatitis but if you are referring to increased urinary urgency and frequency then yes this is a possible acute side effect of radiation treatment to the prostate.  This can be managed easily with some medications that can be given to you by your radiation oncologist.

Question 5

can the daily use of activated charcoal during radiation therapy for prostate cancer help me?

Accepted Answer

Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal can be used in water filtration.  There is no evidence that activated charcoal can help to aid in making the radiation work more effectively or prevent side effects.  The most effective way of maximizing effect of radiation while minimizing side effects is to drink 64 oz water and keeping the patient's bladder consistently full and maintaining a low fiber diet treatment.

Question 6

i had radiation therapy for prostate cancer 10 years ago. since i've had psa tests yearly. the last three years the psa has risen 0.1, 0.4, 0.5. does th?

Accepted Answer

Prostate cancer: A small percent of rad treated pts will recur even this late. A urological eval is warranted.  At your age that small amount of psa elevation should not affect your longevity..

Question 7

is it dangerous to have anal sex after having radiation therapy for prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: The rectum is somewhat irritated during and shortly after radiation, so use of lubrication and common sense is recommended.  If it hearts and is too irritated avoid till symptoms resolve.

Question 8

urine tested positive for blood said its normal for patients that had radiation therapy for prostate cancer also are ther any cancer cells in urine bl?

Accepted Answer

Cystoscopy: You need a urologic evaluation including ct scan and cystoscopy.   It could be irritation from the prostate radiation but bladder cancer after prostate radiation is a possibility as well. The sooner you get evaluated, the better.

Question 9

dr. bansal- i just completed  8 weeks of radiation therapy for an early stage of prostate cancer.  it's safe to take turminc  to prevent recurrances?

Accepted Answer

See below: I couldn't find turminc but if it's the same as turmeric, then this should help answer your question.  Turmeric has shown in some early studies to be effective in preventing and treating some cancers, including prostate.  However, the results are preliminary and no clear recommendations can be made as to timing and dosage.  Consumption of small quantities in cooking shouldn't hurt though.

Question 10

which treatment is better for prostate cancer - stage 1? surgery for prostate removal or radiation therapy with some medication?

Accepted Answer

It is debatable: This is a common dilema as both  treatment types(surgery and Radiotherapy) give equally good results. The chocie between the two is based on your Age and personal preference. I would advise you to meet with both specialists ,and go for surgery if your age is

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Doctor answers about:

How many radiation therapy sessions does prostate cancer usually take

A member asked:

How many radiation therapy sessions does prostate cancer usually take?

A member asked:

Prostate cancer diagnosis at level 7, is this bad? what is cure rate with radiation therapy?

A member asked:

Prostate cancer - are there side effects of radiation therapy?

A member asked:

Could the radiation therapy for my prostate cancer be giving me radiation prostatitis?

A member asked:

Can the daily use of activated charcoal during radiation therapy for prostate cancer help me?

A member asked:

I had radiation therapy for prostate cancer 10 years ago. since i've had psa tests yearly. the last three years the psa has risen 0.1, 0.4, 0.5. does th?

A member asked:

Is it dangerous to have anal sex after having radiation therapy for prostate cancer?

A member asked:

Urine tested positive for blood said its normal for patients that had radiation therapy for prostate cancer also are ther any cancer cells in urine bl?

A member asked:

Dr. bansal- i just completed 8 weeks of radiation therapy for an early stage of prostate cancer. it's safe to take turminc to prevent recurrances?

A member asked:

Which treatment is better for prostate cancer - stage 1? surgery for prostate removal or radiation therapy with some medication?

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