When it comes to cancer, there are several issues for which people look for an answer, including the one like: “How many side effects am I going to have?” It is very normal to be worried if you are supposed to undergo radiation therapy, wondering about its consequences.

Fortunately, nowadays radiation therapy is much more sophisticated compared to what it was some years ago. Special equipment enables the oncologist to treat the tumor with a high radiation rate, targeting cancer cells only and minimising the dose of radiation for other parts of the body. Hence, the number of side effects has significantly reduced.

Nevertheless, every kind of treatment affects a person’s organism differently. All the types of side effects, as well as the way they manifest, depend on such factors as a zone of radiation therapy, the dose of radiation used, the period of time during which radiation was performed, etc. Usually, all the side effects emerge gradually during the period of treatment and improve soon after it.

Dr Manoj Sharma Oncology Clinic provides individual treatment for cancer with special attention to side effects from treatments.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiotherapy or radiation therapy is an excellent technique for treating cancer. The technique involves the use of high-energy beams in order to stop growth or kill cancer cells. It can be used independently or together with surgical, chemo or immunotherapy, and targeted treatments, depending on the cancer type and its stage.

Contrary to chemotherapy that affects the whole body, radiation therapy is a local technique. As such, the side effects will only affect the part of the body that has been subjected to treatment.

This information should help patients understand better and reduce anxiety.

Why Do Side Effects Occur?

While radiation therapy is carefully designed to affect only cancer cells, sometimes normal cells near the cancer cells can be affected as well. Normal cells tend to recover eventually, however, during the recovery process, certain temporary side effects may occur.

Not all patients show identical symptoms. While some can go about their business normally experiencing very little discomfort, others may need extra help in coping with the effects of radiation treatment.

The oncology team is always monitoring the patient and recommending ways to reduce any discomfort.

Common General Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Some side effects can happen no matter what body part you are treating.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a very common side effect of radiation therapy. The difference between regular fatigue and cancer fatigue is that the latter can be overwhelming and does not go away entirely even with sleeping.

Symptoms that may be noticed include:

1. Lack of energy
2. Tiredness after simple routine activities
3. Difficulty concentrating
4. More desire for resting

Tips on How to Manage Fatigue

1. Try to sleep properly every night.
2. Take breaks during the day instead of staying passive for long periods.
3. Be active, walk around if it is okay with your doctor.
4. Have meals containing proteins and whole grains.
5. Consume sufficient amounts of water.
6. Ask relatives or friends to give some help if necessary.

Usually, fatigue will disappear gradually after completing the treatment.

Skin Reactions

The treated skin will be more sensitive, like getting a sunburn.

The possible symptoms include:

1. Skin redness
2. Dried-out skin
3. Itching
4. Flaking
5. Skin darkening
6. Sensitivity

These symptoms usually appear after a few sessions of treatment.

Skin Care Techniques

1. Cleanse the area with mild soap and warm water.
2. Do not rub or scratch the skin.
3. Dress in loose and cotton clothing.
4. Ensure the area is protected from exposure to sunlight.
5. Use only prescribed creams and moisturizers by your radiation oncologist.

Do not use any perfume, deodorant, talcum powder or herbs on the affected area without your doctor’s consent.

Side Effects Depending on the Area Being Treated

Side effects from radiation therapy can depend on which area of the body is treated.

Head and Neck Radiation

Those who undergo radiation for cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, or neck may encounter:

1. Dryness in the mouth
2. Mouth ulcers
3. Sore throat
4. Difficulties in swallowing
5. Changes in taste
6. Thick saliva
7. Hoarseness

Management Advice

1. Consume a lot of water throughout the day.
2. Eat soft and moist foods which will be easy to swallow.
3. Avoid eating spicy, acidic and very hot foods.
4. Keep excellent oral hygiene.
5. Use prescribed mouth rinses where necessary.

A nutritionist might also advise consumption of high protein nutritional products if eating is hard.

Chest Radiation

Radiation treatment of the chest may induce:

1. A light cough
2. Difficulties in swallowing
3. Brief irritation of the esophagus
4. Chest pains
5. Tiredness

Such symptoms will gradually fade after treatment.

Patients are advised to inform their healthcare team about persistent fever, serious difficulties in breathing and increasing chest pains.

Abdomen and Pelvic Radiation

Treatment by radiation of the abdomen and pelvis can result in:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal cramps
5. Loss of appetite
6. Bladder irritation
7. Frequent urination

Useful Dietary Recommendations

1. Have small-sized meals throughout the day.
2. Go for bland and digestible foods.
3. Avoid greasy and spicy foods.
4. Have adequate fluids.
5. Listen to your doctor about fibre consumption.

Almost all problems with digestion can be controlled through medications and diet changes.

Brain Radiation Therapy

The people under treatment from brain tumours with radiation therapy can face such side effects as:

1. Headaches
2. Temporary hair loss in the affected area
3. Feeling tired
4. Nausea
5. Some swelling
6. Trouble concentrating

Doctors can provide drugs to decrease swelling and other symptoms.

Hair Loss: Will Radiation Therapy Cause It?

Hair loss is determined by the location of treatment.

Unlike in chemo, radiotherapy leads to hair loss at only the site receiving radiation.

For instance:

1. Head radiation results in scalp hair loss.
2. Pelvic radiation does not lead to scalp hair loss.
3. Chest radiation does not lead to hair loss from the head.

In most cases, hair regrows after treatment, though with changes in its texture or colour.

Can Radiation Therapy Affect Eating?

Yes, especially for cancers affecting the head, neck or digestive tract.

A few patients might be faced with:

1. Reduced food intake
2. Trouble chewing food
3. Discomfort when swallowing
4. Altered taste buds
5. Dryness in the mouth

Good nutrition is extremely important as this helps in healing, building muscle mass and improves tolerance for treatment.

Patients are usually suggested to:

1. Eat more often with small amounts
2. Add protein containing foods like eggs, paneer, yoghurt, lentils, fish or chicken
3. Eat soft food in case swallowing causes trouble
4. Ensure proper hydration all through treatment.

Oncology dieticians can prepare meal plans as per individual requirements.

Emotional and Psychological Side Effects

A cancer treatment impacts one’s emotional well-being just as much as his physical well-being.

One may feel:

1. Anxiousness
2. Tension
3. Fear concerning the outcome of treatment
4. Mood swings
5. Trouble sleeping

All these emotions are absolutely normal, and cannot be neglected at all.

It is essential to speak out to your oncologist, relatives, counselor or support group to make your treatment experience easier. Emotional support is a part of cancer treatment.

Long-Term Side Effects

However, there are cases when certain side effects may occur many months or even years after the end of the radiation procedure.

This is determined by:

1. Dose of radiation
2. Treatment area
3. Health peculiarities of individual patient
4. Combination with other cancer therapies

Delayed side effects can be very different from person to person and may include:

1. Slight tissue stiffness
2. Dry mouth after radiation of head and neck
3. Endocrine changes after treatment of endocrine glands
4. Fertility problems after pelvic irradiation
5. Extremely rare damage to healthy organs close to treatment site

Due to modern technologies the possibility of such complications has been greatly decreased.

Scheduled follow-up visits help to identify possible delayed effects.

Practical Tips for Managing Radiation Therapy Side Effects

While the experiences of patients will always vary, some habits that will help make treatment easier for you include:

During Treatment

1. Be punctual at all radiation therapy sessions unless instructed otherwise.
2. Adhere to all recommendations from your oncology team.
3. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
4. Maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins.
5. Ensure you get adequate sleep each day.
6. Engage in mild exercises if it is recommended by your doctor.
7. Wear loose clothing.
8. Protect skin on the areas receiving radiation from heat and the sun.

Do not apply any over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines, or any other supplement before discussing them with your oncology team.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

Though the side effects may be easily controllable in most cases, some may need emergency attention.

Consult your physician immediately if you have any of these signs:

1. Fever
2. Pain
3. Breathing problems
4. Constant vomiting
5. Difficulty eating and drinking
6. Excessive bleeding
7. Infection
8. Swelling
9. Skin reaction

It can help avoid serious problems and keep patients on track with their medication.

Life After Radiation Therapy

Patients often find it surprising just how slowly they recover after undergoing treatment.

While some of the side effects might clear up within a few weeks, there might be other side effects that will take a few months to be fully cured.

Sticking to good nutritional practices, exercising, going for regular follow-up visits, and telling the doctor about any side effects you are experiencing can help speed up the recovery process.

Do not forget that the healing process goes on even after finishing with your last round of radiation therapy.

Final Thoughts

Treatment of cancer through radiation is considered the safest and the most effective method available for cancer patients. However, side effects of this procedure may occur but are normally temporary and well managed by the health care team. Knowing what to expect beforehand helps alleviate anxiety among the patients.

Not all patients will go through the same side effects and there is nothing wrong with discussing symptoms with the oncologist. Managing side effects can ease the discomfort that comes along with this form of cancer treatment, which increases the likelihood of success.

At Dr Manoj Sharma Oncology Clinic, we do not only focus on treating cancers, but we aim to make sure our patients get through the process of radiation as safely and as comfortable as possible.