That's a really important question, and it's great that you're thinking carefully about this before treatment.
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for endometrial cancer is typically directed at the pelvic area, and one known long-term side effect is that it can weaken bones in the treated area. For someone who already Show Full Answer
That's a really important question, and it's great that you're thinking carefully about this before treatment.
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for endometrial cancer is typically directed at the pelvic area, and one known long-term side effect is that it can weaken bones in the treated area. For someone who already has reduced bone density in the lumbar spine, this is definitely worth discussing closely with your oncology team. Here are some key points to be aware of:
- EBRT is usually given 5 days a week for up to 6 weeks
- Bone weakening is a recognized long-term side effect of EBRT
- Your care team can help weigh the risks and benefits given your bone health
- There may be alternative or complementary options, like vaginal brachytherapy, which targets a smaller area and limits exposure to surrounding tissues
Bringing up your lumbar osteoporosis directly with your radiation oncologist before starting treatment is really important — they can tailor your plan with your bone health in mind.
Other MyEndometrialCancerTeam members may have navigated this same situation and could offer personal insight from their own experiences.
July 8
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