Treatment for metastatic bowel cancer
You might have radiotherapy for bowel cancer that has spread to different parts of the body. This is metastatic or advanced bowel cancer.
Radiotherapy uses high energy rays similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells. It can shrink the cancer, relieve symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.
You have external beam radiotherapy for cancer that has spread. External beam directs radiotherapy beams at the cancer from a machine. This is different to internal radiotherapy which means giving radiotherapy to the cancer from inside the body.
Radiotherapy for metastatic bowel cancer can shrink the cancer, relieve symptoms, and help you feel more comfortable.
Side effects depend on which part of the body you have treatment and the dose of radiotherapy. Side effects tend to start a week after the radiotherapy begins. Your cancer specialist can help to manage any side effects that you experience.
Last reviewed: 20 Dec 2024
Next review due: 20 Dec 2027
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