Cancer of Prostate

In this article to continue from the previous article on the prostate side effects that can be experienced after prostate cancer hormone radiation therapy.

These effects are mainly due to the reduction of male hormones in the body and may include the following:

• impotence and general difficulty in getting an erection

• sweating and hot flushes

• breast tenderness and enlargement

• weight gain

• bone thinning

• risk of heart attack

Do note that prostate hormone therapy is often used in combination with other treatments.

Prostate cancer radiation therapy has probably less severe side effects than any of the other treatments but here are some of them:

• temporary incontinence or urinary leakage

• burning sensation during urination

• urinary retention and difficulty in urination

• impotence will depend on the age of the patient and is for example about 25% to 50% in men over 60 years of age

• some damage may occur to the rectum causing blood or mucus in the stool or maybe even diarrhea.

Before any form of treatment is given at any stage, the doctor will normally give the patient clear details of prostate side effects expected from the treatments. Be sure to ask all you need to know.