• You may feel very tired, have no energy, sleep a lot, and not be able to do normal activities or things you enjoy
• Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired
• Nap for short periods (only 1 hour at a time)
• Prioritise your tasks to ensure the best use of your energy
• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids (unless you have been told to limit fluids)
• Try some gentle exercise daily, and rest when you feel you need to
• Allow your friends and family to help

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have problems managing any of the symptoms listed above.

• During the last few weeks of treatment, you may have: 

- bowel motions (stools, poo) that are more urgent or frequent

- a small amount of bleeding or clear discharge 

- a sore or irritated rectum 

- bloating, cramping or pain 

• Take anti-diarrhoea medication as directed by your doctor
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has advised you to limit them)
• Avoid spicy foods, dairy products, high fibre foods, and coffee

Contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if your diarrhoea continues despite taking medication, or if you feel dizzy, light-headed or unwell.

• You may have discomfort and burning when you urinate and/or blood in your urine
• You may also notice that you urinate more often, particularly at night and sometimes with a slower stream
• Some people may not be able to empty their bladder (retention) and this may require catheterisation (a temporary tube inserted into the bladder) 
• Some people have less control over their bladder (incontinence) which may be temporary or ongoing
• Increasing your fluid intake (unless advised otherwise) and taking a urinary alkaliniser (as prescribed) may provide some relief from the burning sensation when passing urine

Seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or nearest Emergency Department if you cannot pass urine or have severe discomfort.

Radiation therapy can cause changes to the lining of your bladder which can be temporary or ongoing. You may have: 

• Discomfort and burning when you urinate 
• Urgency or need to pass urine more often 
• Blood in your urine 
• Leakage or less control over your bladder (incontinence)

Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above; they can help you to manage them. Seek immediate medical care if you cannot pass urine or have severe discomfort.

• Feelings of tiredness or fatigue may continue for some time after the radiation therapy has finished
• Tell your doctor if you have ongoing tiredness and lack of energy

For some people, their bowel habits do not return to normal after treatment has finished. You may get:

• An urgent need to open your bowels 
• Pain when opening your bowels 
• A small amount of bleeding or clear discharge when passing a motion 
• Diarrhoea 
• Constipation 
• Leakage or less control over your bowel motions (incontinence). 

Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above; they can help you to manage them. Contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any bleeding from your rectum.

Radiation therapy can cause changes to the lining of your bladder which can be temporary or ongoing. You may have: 

• Discomfort and burning when you urinate 
• Urgency or pass urine more often 
• Blood in your urine 
• Leakage or less control over your bladder (incontinence)

Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above, they can help you to manage them. Contact your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you cannot pass urine or have severe discomfort.

• You may experience changes to sexual function, such as impotence or dry/painful ejaculations
• These changes may be temporary or ongoing
• Let your doctor or nurse know if you're affected — they can help or refer you to a specialist
• Treatment may reduce your fertility

• There is a very small risk of developing a second cancer due to radiation therapy
• This is uncommon and may not happen until at least 10 years after treatment

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the benefits and risks of radiation therapy.