Managing Side Effects

Patients often experience little or no side effects from the radiation therapy and are able to continue their normal routines. However, some patients do feel some discomfort from the treatment. Be sure to talk to a member of your radiation oncology team about any problems you may have.

Many of the side effects of radiation therapy are related to the area that is being treated. For example, a breast cancer patient may notice skin irritation, like a mild to moderate sunburn, while a patient with cancer in the mouth may have soreness when swallowing. These side effects are usually temporary and can be treated by your doctor or other members of the treatment team.

Side effects usually begin by the second or third week of treatment, and they may last for several weeks after the final radiation treatment. In rare instances, serious side effects develop after radiation therapy is finished. Your radiation oncologist and radiation oncology nurse are the best people to advise you about the side effects you may experience. Talk with them about any side effects you are having. They can give you information about how to manage them and may prescribe medicines that can help relieve your symptoms.

The side effect most often reported by patients receiving radiation is fatigue. The fatigue patients experience is usually not very severe, and patients can often continue all or some of their normal daily activities with a reduced schedule. Many patients continue to work full time during radiation therapy.

Many patients are concerned that radiation therapy will cause another cancer. In fact, the risk of developing a second tumor because of radiation therapy is very low. For many patients, radiation therapy can cure your cancer. This benefit far outweighs the very small risk that the treatment could cause a later cancer. If you smoke, the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of a second cancer is quit smoking. For more information about Samaritan Health Services' tobacco cessation program, click here.

Above information provided in collaboration with the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO).  

How to care for yourself during treatment

Get plenty of rest. Many patients experience fatigue during radiation therapy, so it is important to make sure you are well rested.

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. A dietitian, nurse or physician may work with you to ensure you are receiving the right calories, vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat and that you are eating the proper types of foods. With certain treatments, it may be necessary to modify your diet to minimize side effects. You should not attempt to lose weight during radiation therapy, since you require more calories due to your cancer and treatment.

Treat the skin that is exposed to radiation with extra care. The skin in the area receiving treatment may become red and sensitive. Your radiation oncology nurse will review specific instructions for caring for your skin. Some guidelines include:

• Cleanse the skin daily with warm water and a mild soap recommended by your nurse.
• Avoid using any lotions, perfumes, deodorants or powders in the treatment area unless approved by your doctor or nurse. 
• Avoid putting anything hot or cold on the treated skin. This includes heating pads and ice packs.
• Protect the treated area from the sun by using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• If possible, avoid exposing the treated area to the sun altogether.

Seek out emotional support. There are many emotional demands that you must cope with during your cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is common to feel anxious, depressed, afraid or hopeless. It may help to talk about your feelings with a close friend, family member, nurse, social worker or psychologist. To find a support group in your area, ask your radiation oncology nurse. 

Questions to ask your doctor

It is important that you fully understand the potential benefits, side effects and goals of radiation therapy. Your radiation oncologist and radiation oncology nurses are available to answer any questions you may have during treatment. They are the best source of accurate information about your particular case.

Coping with a diagnosis of cancer and researching the various treatment options can be a stressful experience. To assist you in this process, below is a list of questions you may want to ask your radiation oncologist if you are considering radiation therapy. What type and stage of cancer do I have?

• What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of cancer?
• For how many weeks will I receive radiation?
• What are the chances that radiation therapy will work?
• What is the chance that the cancer will spread or come back if I do not have radiation therapy?
• Will I need chemotherapy, surgery or other treatments?
• If so, in what order will I receive these treatments, and how soon after radiation therapy can I start them?
• How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the weeks following radiation therapy?
• Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility?
• Will I be able to continue my normal activities?
• What side effects may occur from the radiation and how are they managed?
• Will radiation therapy affect my sex life or my ability to have children?
• Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
• Will side effects change my appearance?
• If so, will the changes be permanent or temporary?
• If temporary, how long will they last? How often do I need to return for checkups?
• How and when will you know if I am cured of cancer?
• How soon can I go back to my regular activities? Work? Sexual activity? Aerobic exercise?