Are there risks involved with radiation therapy?
Radiation often has to pass through normal tissue in order to get to where the cancer is. Side effects (see listing below) can occur when the normal tissue is irritated. These side effects depend on the area being treated. Some areas have very few noticeable side effects. However, combining treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy may be necessary for your cancer, and that may increase your risk of side effects. Most side effects are quite manageable. Your nurse and doctor will go over these issues with you.
