Managing radiation therapy side effects

This section covers the potential side effects of radiation therapy and provide tips for managing them.

Learn more about:

• Overview
• Preparing for side effects
• Looking after yourself
• Trying complementary therapies
• How long side effects may last
• Fatigue
• Skin changes
• Hair loss
• Appetite loss and nausea
• Mouth and throat problems
• Bowel changes
• Bladder changes
• Lymphoedema
• Sexuality, intimacy and fertility issues
• Effects on sexual function and fertility

Overview

Radiation therapy can treat many cancers, but it can also injure healthy cells at or near the treatment area. This can lead to side effects. Before recommending radiation therapy, the radiation oncologist will consider whether the likely benefits outweigh the possible side effects. To minimise side effects, a range of new techniques have made radiation therapy highly precise.

We provide information and tips to help people manage some common side effects of radiation therapy. You are unlikely to have all of these side effects. You may have other side effects not discussed here or you may have symptoms unrelated to your treatment.

Preparing for side effects

Some people have many side effects, while others have very few or none. Side effects can vary even among people having the same type of radiation therapy to the same part of the body. Your treatment team can give you an idea of what to expect.

Many things can affect the type and severity of side effects, including:

• the part of the body treated
• the type of radiation therapy
• the dose of radiation needed and the number of treatment sessions
• any other treatments you might be having and your general health.

Most side effects that occur during treatment are manageable. Before treatment begins, your radiation therapy team will discuss how to look after the treatment area, the side effects to watch out for or report, ways to manage them, and who to contact after hours if you need help.

While you are having treatment, let the radiation therapy team know at each treatment session about any side effects you have. To help manage side effects, the radiation oncologist may alter the treatment or arrange a break. They may not recommend these options if it would affect how well the treatment works.

Looking after yourself

It is important to maintain your general health. People who have diabetes need to manage their blood sugar levels during treatment and recovery – see your GP before treatment starts. Your treatment team will encourage you to be as active as possible during treatment. Research shows that exercise can help people manage the ongoing effects of radiation therapy, including fatigue.

For more on this, see Exercise and cancer.

Trying complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are used with conventional medical treatments. Therapies such as relaxation and mindful meditation can reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

Let your radiation oncologist know about any complementary therapies you are using or thinking about trying, as some may not be safe or may make side effects worse. This includes over-the-counter and herbal medicines, vitamins and creams. You may also need to avoid massaging the treatment area.

For more on this, see Complementary therapies.

→ READ MORE: How long will side effects last?

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