Radiotherapy – Daily Preparations 

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer is delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator. This machine produces high energy x-rays which are aimed into the prostate from multiple angles, with the highest dose given to the prostate itself where all the beams meet. Radiotherapy plans are made by medical physicists using CT scans, with the aim of treating the prostate with a high dose but treating other nearby organs such as the bladder, intestines and rectum with very low doses to minimise side effects. In order to help with this, there are some preparations that must be done before planning CT scans and before every treatment.