Side effects of radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can cause side effects, although many of these can be treated or prevented and most will go away after the treatment stops. It's difficult to predict what side effects you'll get. Side effects vary from person to person and depend on things such as the part of your body being treated and the type of radiotherapy you have. Ask your care team about the side effects you might get. Sore skin In some people, radiotherapy can make your skin sore, change colour (it might become red, lighter or darker than your normal skin tone), or dry and itchy. Sometimes it can blister and peel. This tends to start 1 to 2 weeks after treatment begins. Tell your care team if you notice any soreness or changes to your skin. To care for your skin during radiotherapy you should: • wash your skin every day with your usual soap • pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it • apply your usual moisturiser every day, or start using a moisturiser • use your usual deodorant, unless it irritates your skin • avoid shaving the area if possible and do not use laser, wax, or hair-removal creams • avoid using heat or cold pack on the area • try wearing loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton or silk, and avoid tight bands, ties or straps on the sore area • use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50 or above) to protect your skin from the sun • continue swimming, if you usually do, but only if your skin is not blistered, peeling or irritated; it's best to shower immediately afterwards • s...

Radiation therapy is a common part of the treatment plan for many types of cancers. It uses targeted doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Sometimes, radiation is the only treatment you need. But in most cases, doctors combine it with other treatments like • before other treatments to shrink a tumor • after other treatments to destroy any remaining cancer cells • to reduce symptoms if the cancer is not curable Along with killing cancer cells, radiation therapy can also damage healthy cells. This can cause many side effects. Side effects will depend on the type and amount of radiation, as well as the organ systems affected. Here’s more information on what kinds of side effects to expect and some advice on how to manage them. Early side effects typically happen within weeks of starting radiation treatment. Many of these side effects improve once radiation treatment finishes. Early side effects may include fatigue, nausea, skin changes, and hair loss. Late side effects may not appear until after your radiation treatment ends. For example, if you have radiation to your chest area, it’s possible to develop lung or heart disease months or years later. It’s important to continue to follow up with your cancer care team to monitor for long-term effects. Everyone will respond differently to Radiation affects your cells’ ability to divide. Cells that grow and divide the fastest are the most affected. This includes cancer cells but can also • skin cells • hair ...

Radiation dermatitis or radiation burn is a side effect of radiation therapy to treat cancer. Each year an estimated 4 million people in the United States receive radiation therapy. Almost everyone who has radiation therapy develops radiation dermatitis. Most radiation burn symptoms are mild, but 20% of people may have more serious symptoms. Overview What is radiation dermatitis (radiation burn?) Radiation dermatitis or radiation burn is a side effect of Most radiation burn symptoms are mild and easily treated. An estimated 20% of people who receive radiation therapy may develop more serious symptoms that affect their daily life and may make them fearful or reluctant to continue radiation therapy. Healthcare providers understand all the ways radiation therapy can affect people receiving cancer treatment. Providers and researchers continuously evaluate ways to limit and treat radiation burn. Who is affected by radiation burn? Radiation burn can happen to anyone who is receiving radiation therapy. But studies show radiation burn is most common for people who have Symptoms and Causes What causes radiation burn? Radiation burn or radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of external beam radiation therapy to treat some forms of cancer. This type of radiation therapy delivers radiation through a machine that targets cancerous cells. The treatment isn’t painful. But it can make your skin sore, peel, itch or turn red. That’s because radiation passes through your skin to its ta...