While radiation therapy is an effective cancer fighting treatment, it does cause certain side effects. One of the most common complaints from people undergoing radiation therapy is the feeling of fatigue. Not only does the radiation therapy...

directly cause fatigue, but the cancer itself steals a great deal of metabolic energy. Also, the emotional and physical drain of repeated cancer treatments can lead to weariness. Fatigue can be difficult to quantify and treat in many cases, though it is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Occasionally fatigue is a consequence of a vitamin or cellular deficiency in the body and can be corrected.

 

In contrast to chemotherapy, radiation therapy does not cause hair loss on the head, unless the radiation therapy is directed there. Hair loss may occur over the site where the radiation source was placed. Also, like radiation from the sun, the skin near the radiation therapy-exposed area may become red, swollen, tanned, or even blister and peel. In many ways it should be treated like a sunburn, by wearing loose clothing, keeping the area clean, and avoid scratching.

 

Also in contrast to chemotherapy, radiation therapy does not usually cause severe anemias (a drop in the number of blood cells). Anemia is possible, however, so your oncologist will check for it periodically with a simple blood test.

 

Radiation therapy that is targeted to the head, neck, or digestive system may cause problems with eating and appetite. Treatment in the head a neck can lead to changes in taste, smell, and salivation while treatment to the GI tract can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to get enough protein and calories during radiotherapy not only to support the body’s normal needs but the increased demands required to fight the cancer.

 

Radiation therapy directed to the brain may cause an assortment of problems. Some of the more serious neurological effects are swelling of the brain, trouble with memory or speech, and seizures. Radiation in the breast or chest may lead to breathing difficulties and problems swallowing.

 

With any form of radiation therapy, the treated area may become fibrotic. This means that the normal tissue is replaced with fibrous, unusable areas. Fibrosis can affect the normal functioning of any tissue or organ that is treated with radiation therapy.