Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Though the radiation is targeted, it affects healthy cells as well as cancerous ones. For this reason, people undergoing radiation therapy (RT) can develop short- and long-term side effects during and after treatment.
This article describes common side effects of RT and provides tips for management and care.
There are two types of RT: external beam radiation and internal radiation.
External beam radiation
This involves a machine sending beams of radiation to specific parts of the body.
The beams are lower-energy, and they intersect at the targeted areas, so that these receive higher doses of radiation. For this reason, cancer specialists, called oncologists, refer to the treatment as “localized.”
Internal radiation
Internal radiation kills cancer cells from inside the body.
This involves an oncologist either implanting solid radioactive material at the site of the tumor or giving the person liquid drugs made up of a radioactive substance. These can be taken orally or injected.
A solid source of radiation acts as a localized treatment. Radioactive beads, for example, are a common treatment for prostate cancer.
A liquid radiation source acts as a systemic treatment because it travels throughout the body.
RT effectively destroys cancer cells, but it also damages healthy cells. This can cause adverse effects during and after treatment. In some cases, a person may develop new side effects
The specific adverse effects can depend on the type of RT and the part of the body receiving the treatment.
Early side effects
According to the
Examples of these skin changes include:
Other early side effects of RT can include:
- swelling or tenderness at the treatment site
- mouth sores
- a sore throat
- difficulty swallowing
- headaches
- vision changes
- nausea and vomiting
- bladder or bowel changes
- sexual dysfunction
Late side effects
These side effects can appear
- dry mouth and mouth sores
- joint problems
- thyroid problems
- lymphedema, which is swelling in the arms or legs
- infertility
- secondary cancers
Before RT begins, a doctor will describe the adverse effects that a person may experience during and after the treatment.
If any side effects arise during treatment, inform the doctor as soon as possible — some effects indicate that the treatment program should be changed or that the person should be taking radioprotective drugs.
Other side effects may improve with lifestyle changes and home care. Below, we look at ways of managing some side effects of RT.
Fatigue
The following care strategies can help alleviate fatigue:
- sleeping for at least 8 hours each night
- taking short naps during the day
- limiting strenuous, physically demanding tasks
- asking friends and family members for help with daily tasks, such as cleaning and grocery shopping
- performing a little light exercise each day
- setting aside time for relaxing activities, such as yoga, meditation, and reading
Hair loss
To prevent hair loss, a person can try:
- using hair products that are mild, such as baby shampoo
- avoiding hairsprays, dyes, and other hair products that contain harsh chemicals
- patting the hair dry with a towel, as opposed to rubbing the hair
- avoiding hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons
Skin changes
The following strategies can help a person care for sensitive or damaged skin:
- refraining from rubbing or scratching the area
- keeping the skin clean and dry
- using gentle moisturizers or creams that repair the skin barrier
- wearing soft fabrics
- avoiding tight, restrictive clothing
- wearing sunscreen, even on cloudy days
Mouth and throat changes
To manage mouth and throat pain or sensitivity, try:
- avoiding foods that are hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic
- eating soft foods
- cooking with sauces to help soften food
- taking smaller bites
- avoiding extremely hot foods and beverages
- avoiding caffeinated beverages
- drinking through a straw
Bowel and bladder changes
The strategies below can help with managing bowel and bladder issues resulting from RT:
- drinking plenty of clear liquids each day to prevent dehydration and constipation
- eating foods rich in potassium and sodium to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance
- eating smaller meals throughout the day to improve digestion
- eating yogurt, bananas, and other high-fiber foods to prevent diarrhea
- avoiding hard-to-digest foods and beverages, such as dairy products, alcohol, and fried foods
RT damages DNA inside cells, which can lead to long-term side effects.
The specific effects may depend on the location and doses of RT. Some examples of long-term side effects include:
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate numerous functions, including:
- body temperature
- heart rate
- metabolism
- bone growth
- muscle function
RT to the head or neck can sometimes cause hypothyroidism — which refers to the thyroid not producing enough hormones.
Experts estimate that
A
After 36 months, however, the participants’ thyroids stopped shrinking, and their hormone levels stabilized.
Cognitive changes
A person who receives RT to treat a brain tumor may experience long-term cognitive changes, such as:
- reduced processing speed
- changes in attention and concentration
- changes in verbal learning
- decreased working memory
- changes in executive functioning, which includes the ability to:
- plan
- think flexibly
- exert self-control
Musculoskeletal problems
RT can weaken bones, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
Radiation can also cause muscle cells to deteriorate, resulting in:
- muscle atrophy
- muscle weakness
- localized pain
Secondary cancers
RT alters DNA inside cells, which can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
According to the
It is difficult to predict whether a person will develop secondary cancer after receiving RT. However, the following factors could increase the risk:
- Age: Younger people who undergo RT may have a higher risk of developing a secondary tumor several years after completing the treatment.
- Dose: The risk of developing cancer increases with higher doses of radiation.
- Area of exposure: Certain organs are more susceptible to developing secondary cancer from RT, including the skin and breasts
RT involves exposure to radioactive materials. People who have undergone RT may need to take precautions to protect others from radiation exposure.
External beam RT involves a source of radiation outside of the body, which means that the person is not radioactive during or after the treatment.
However, if a person has received internal RT, radioactive particles can leave the body through sweat, blood, urine, semen, saliva, and other fluids.
People receiving internal RT as an oral capsule or injected liquid — called systemic RT — may need to stay in the hospital for
Tips for protecting others
People undergoing systemic RT should take precautions to protect others from radiation exposure.
For at least the first few days after receiving systemic RT:
- Try to maintain a 6-foot distance from other household members.
- Particularly, try to avoid close contact with infants, children, pregnant women, and pets.
- Avoid public transportation.
- Avoid going to work, such as by working from home, if possible.
- Wash clothing, towels, and bedding separately from those of other household members.
- Do not share utensils or personal care items.
- Wash the hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
- Flush the toilet twice after each use.
- Avoid intimate contact, usually for a minimum of 1 week.
RT is an effective cancer treatment, but it can lead to various short- and long-term side effects.
The most common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, and hair loss, but specific effects depend on the targeted area of the body and the dose of radiation.
An oncologist can provide more information about the risks and more likely adverse effects.
Notify the oncologist if any side effects develop. The doctor may need to change the treatment regimen or provide radioprotective drugs.