Side effects of radiation therapy

Many treatments for cancer can have side effects but it’s hard to know if and when they might happen to you. Side effects from radiation therapy vary from person to person, depending on:

the amount of radiation
the part of your body being treated
your treatment schedule
your general physical health
other medications you are taking

Some people think that having side effects means that the radiation is working and not having them means that it’s not. Side effects are caused by damage to healthy cells during treatment. They are different from person to person and are not a sign of whether the treatment is working or not.

General side effects

Side effects that are possible with radiation therapy to any area of the body are often called general side effects. They may include:

anxiety or depression
changes in appetite
fatigue

skin changes in the treatment area
changes in sleep patterns
hair loss in the treatment area

Feelings about sexuality can also be affected during treatment.

Specific side effects

Some side effects are specific to the area being treated with radiation.

Learn more

If you're having radiation therapy to the brain
If you're having radition therapy to the head and neck
If you're having radiation therapy to the chest
If you're having radiation therapy to the breast
If you're having radiation therapy to the stomach and abdomen
If you're having radiation therapy to the pelvis

As radiation therapy affects everyone in different ways, it is difficult to predict exactly how you will react to treatment. You may not have side effects at all, or only a few mild ones during your treatment. But being aware of possible side effects can help you cope with any problems that arise.

Your radiation therapy team is there to help you manage any side effects you have from treatments. Ask them about ways to reduce side effects or make them easier to deal with. If you notice any unexpected side effects or symptoms, talk to your radiation therapy team.

How long do side effects last?

It takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy, so side effects may continue even after treatment is over. Some may continue for weeks or months after your treatment. Other side effects, such as infertility, might be permanent.

Last modified on: 08 February 2010