Radiation therapy, like surgery and medical treatment, has side effects. Not everyone has side effects, and their severity varies from person to person. In general, the side effects depend upon the person, the type of cancer, the amount of radiation given, and the specific area being treated. Most of the effects are temporary and will disappear within a few weeks after the completion of therapy.

• Fatigue. Most people tire easily during their radiation therapy. We are not sure if this is directly due to the treatment, or that fact that people get tired of traveling to and from the clinic! It is clear, however, that this is a stressful time for your body, as it is using a lot of energy trying to fight the cancer and rebuild injured cells. Try to rest if you are fatigued. You may certainly continue to work if you feel up to it. Although most patients can continue to work full-time, others may need to reduce their working hours. Light exercise such as walking will not be harmful to your recovery; however, strenuous exercise throughout your treatment course should generally be avoided.
• Skin reaction. It is common to have some degree of skin irritation ranging from itching and dry skin to redness and occasionally peeling of the skin as from severe sunburn. This reaction is limited to the areas being treated, and certain precautions can be useful in minimizing these reactions. Do not use oils, lotions, or ointments on the treated area unless approved by your Radiation Oncologist. Do not use any harsh soap on the treated area when washing, and do not wash away your markings. Do not use deodorants or perfumes on areas being treated. Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on the treated skin. Try to keep the treated areas away from prolonged sunlight exposure, as these areas will sunburn more quickly and easily. Do not shave a treated area with a blade razor; instead, use an electric razor. Your doctor will be monitoring your skin reactions on a regular basis as well. Should the reaction become too severe, he may recommend a short break from treatment to let the reactions calm down, before continuing. After the treatment course is complete, you may wash off any marks with mild soap and water. Mild skin lubricants such as aloe, Lubriderm, and Vaseline Intensive Care lotion can be used on the treated skin throughout your course without difficulty. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) can be helpful on particularly red areas, when used sparingly.
• Poor appetite. You may feel that all food tastes terrible and nothing appeals to you, especially if your mouth or throat area is within the treatment area. Nevertheless, it is important to get that nutrition in! A proper diet is vital to strengthening and repairing injured cells during your radiation treatments. It is important for you to maintain your weight, even if you are overweight already. Do not go on any diet without informing your physician. In order to maintain good nutrition and increase your appetite, patients find it helpful to eat smaller meals more often, eat nutritious snacks such as fruit, vegetables, milk, and cheese, exercise for a few minutes before mealtime, create a pleasant dining atmosphere, and eat with family and friends. Dietary supplements such as Ensure Plus, Sustacal, Carnation Instant Breakfast, and others are a good way to pack in a lot of calories in a small portion. These supplements usually are more palatable if kept refrigerated. Occasionally, a prescription medicine called Megase can be useful in boosting appetite if the measures noted above are inadequate.
• Loss of taste. If you are receiving radiation to the mouth or throat area, you may notice a loss of taste or a change in the way foods taste to you—this is in large part to a change in the fluid content around the taste buds. Some foods may taste bitter or sour, while others may be tasteless. It can help to focus on eating foods that still look and smell appetizing to you. Use mild spices in your food. Try chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, fruits, gelatin, ice cream, or salads.
• Sore throat/Difficulty swallowing. If your mouth, throat, esophagus, or lungs are being treated (especially if also receiving chemotherapy), you may experience a sore throat or difficulty swallowing solids. Be sure to chew food thoroughly, and sip liquids between bites to help wash them down. Minimize eating foods that are either too hot or too cold. You may find it easier eating bland foods or soft foods. Your physician may prescribe a medication to help with these symptoms.
• Cough. When the chest, throat, or lungs are treated, they may be irritated and cause a dry cough. This may be more pronounced when you lie flat or at night because secretions pool in your throat when you are reclined. If so, try to elevate the head of the bed 2 inches by putting small blocks of wood under the head post. You can also try cough drops, or get a medication from your physician.
• Nausea/Vomiting. Patients receiving radiation to the stomach or abdominal area sometimes experience nausea or vomiting within an hour or two after each treatment. If this is a problem, let your physician know so that he can prescribe an appropriate medication. Also, avoid very acidic foods (orange juice or soda, for example), and eat smaller portions more frequently. Clear liquids such as broth, apple juice, or Kool-Aid are often well tolerated.
• Diarrhea/Rectal irritation. Patients receiving treatment to the abdomen or pelvis may experience diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. If you have hemorrhoids, they may be irritated and uncomfortable during therapy. Several tips might be helpful. First, be sure to drink plenty of liquids—it is very easy to get dehydrated if you are not careful. Avoid hot or spicy foods, or high-fiber foods such as salads, leafy vegetables, or high-fiber cereals. More bland foods such as rice, bananas, mashed potatoes, dry white toast, and apple sauces are usually better tolerated. If necessary, cut back to a “liquid” diet of Jell-O, soup, broth, and the like. For hemorrhoids, try Sitz baths two or three times per day. Anusol-HC or Preparation-H are also useful.
• Constipation. Radiation therapy normally does not cause constipation, but this problem CAN occur if you are dehydrated or are on narcotic pain medicines. You can use laxatives as needed.