What is PRD?
Most people will experience some side effects during pelvic radiotherapy treatment. These symptoms often settle during the first few weeks after radiotherapy finishes.
Symptoms that appear months, years or decades after the end of pelvic radiotherapy, are known as Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD).
Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) can affect people who have previously had radiotherapy to the pelvic region to treat their cancer. This includes radiotherapy to treat cancers of the colon, rectum, anus, prostate, testes, bladder, and gynaecological cancers, but also total body radiotherapy and radiotherapy in the pelvic area for other primary and secondary cancers.
PRD can cause symptoms affecting one of more of:
- Bladder
- Bowel
- Sexual organs
- Digestion
- Skin
- Bones
- Nerves
- Blood supply
- Lymphatic system
- Mental Health
About the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA)
We are a small UK charity supporting people living with or at risk of developing PRD. We do this in a number of ways including:
- Offering direct support, information, and peer connections.
- Giving a voice to those affected by PRD.
- Pushing for better funding and dedicated PRD services across the UK.
- Working with charities, the NHS, and other partners to improve care and support.
- Raising awareness and helping healthcare professionals better understand and manage PRD.