What to ask your doctor about prostate cancer radiotherapy

Some questions you might ask your doctor

Why are you recommending radiotherapy for me?
Will it be external or internal?
What exact type of radiotherapy treatment will I have?
I've heard of newer types of radiotherapy that shape the dose to the cancer, or use scans to check its position regularly. Are these suitable for me?
What are the aims of the treatment?
Will the treatment cure my cancer?
How many cases like mine do you treat in a year?
What are your results?
Are there other treatments I could have instead of radiotherapy?
Should I have hormone therapy as well as radiotherapy?
Could I have hormone therapy instead of radiotherapy?
If you had prostate cancer like mine, who would you go to for treatment?
How long will the treatment last?
Is it painful?
What are the side effects in the short and long term?
Will there be any permanent side effects?
What can I do to prepare for the treatment?
Where can I find out more about it?
Are there permanent side effects from this treatment?
Will the treatment affect my sex life?
What are the risks of incontinence after this treatment and will it get better over time?
What are the risks of impotence after this treatment and is it permanent?