What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Generally, few if any side effects accompany the first few weeks of radiation therapy. X-rays are not felt or seen as the linear accelerator moves about the patient delivering X-rays. Gradually, after 2-3 weeks of therapy, side effects may begin to develop. They are generally confined to the treatment area. Bladder and rectal irritation can occur, giving the patient an urge to urinate more frequently, especially at night, or to have more frequent bowel movements. Sometimes a burning or stinging sensation accompanies bowel movements or bladder emptying. There can be loose stools or diarrhea. In general, most of the side effects associated with radiation therapy are mild, especially when administered with 3DCRT techniques. If they do occur they can often be managed with medications or dietary modifications. Some men may have diarrhea precipitated by high fiber foods, dairy products, or high fat foods.
The doses of radiation used to destroy cancer cells can also hurt normal cells. Thus the side effects are directly related to the area of the body being treated. For instance, radiation that includes the abdomen can cause diarrhea because of the radiation’s effect on the wall of the bowel. While side effects are unpleasant, there are treatments to help deal with them, and most side effects are temporary, disappearing gradually after therapy is complete. Most radiation oncologists see their patients at least once a week while the patients are receiving treatment. This visit with the healthcare team serves as an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any side effects, and implement and necessary interventions to help relieve the side effects. The following list includes some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy, but remember, these vary depending on the area being treated and each individual’s reaction to therapy.
The most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer are: • Fatigue • Skin reactions or rashes in the treated areas • Loss of appetite. During any type of cancer treatment, patients may lose their appetite and find it hard to eat well. Some cancer patients may not feel like eating because they are uncomfortable or tired. In addition, cancer patients undergoing certain chemotherapy regimens may experience nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and a change in taste of foods. • Increased susceptibility to colds and other illnesses. Radiation therapy may decrease the number of white blood cells that help protect the body against infection. For this reason, it is important to avoid being around other people with colds and flu during your radiation therapy. Remember that most of the side effects of radiation therapy can be minimized or controlled. Also, in most cases, the side effects of radiation therapy are not permanent.
The side effects of radiation therapy are, for the most part, specific to the area of the body being radiated. Some general side effects may include skin irritation and fatigue. Other side effects might include nausea and vomiting (for radiation given in the area of the stomach), hair loss (for radiation given to the head), sore throat, and difficulty swallowing (for radiation given to the neck or chest), and diarrhea (for radiation given to the lower back or abdomen). There are medications and techniques that can help control side effects. Be sure to discuss any side effects with your doctor so that they can be managed properly. Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center.
The side effects of radiation depend on the dose and location, and if it is internal or external. Before receiving radiation for treatment of cancer, many tests may be performed to evaluate the baseline (pre-treatment) function of heart, kidneys, lungs, eyes, ears and reproductive organs. Some radiation may affect the function of these organs either during treatment or months to years after treatment. Some treatment may affect fertility. The side effects usually relate to the area of the body that is receiving the radiation treatments. Potential side effects may include, but are not limited to, the following: • hair loss, also called “alopecia” Hair loss may occur if radiation therapy of the head is given. After treatment is completed, most children’s hair will grow back. • bone growth Bone growth may also be affected, especially with young children that are still having significant bone growth. Height stature and/or limbs may be shortened because of the effect of radiation.
