When the doctor tells you that you have cancer, one of the treatments that is given is radiation therapy. Many people also call this “taking the current.” What it actually does is use high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells . This is a very effective treatment. But when talking about this treatment, some people have a little fear in their hearts, saying, “Will I ever develop another cancer because of this treatment?” This is actually a very, very rare thing, meaning the chances of it happening are very low. But being fully aware of it is very important for your peace of mind and your health . So let's talk about it today.
How does radiation therapy cause a second primary cancer?
Simply put, radiation therapy is a very powerful thing. Its high energy destroys cancer cells. But imagine, during a battle, not only the enemy army, but sometimes our own soldiers can also be slightly damaged? That's how it is. While these powerful rays destroy cancer cells, they can also have some effect on the healthy cells around them.
This effect can damage the genetic information, or DNA , in healthy cells. This DNA controls the division of cells in our body. So when this DNA is damaged, cell division becomes chaotic and can start dividing abnormally. Over time, perhaps years later, there is a very small chance that this will develop into another type of cancer.
But it's important to remember this. The benefits of radiation therapy far outweigh these very rare risks. That's why doctors recommend this treatment.
How do we manage this risk?
You might be thinking, “Okay, now I’m feeling a little scared about this.” Don’t be. Being aware doesn’t mean being scared. Being aware can help us take better care of our health. There are a few simple steps you can take to help.
1. Talk openly with your doctor.
Your doctor knows your treatment and your body better than you do. So talk to him about all your questions and fears.
- "Doctor, with this radiation treatment I've been given, what kind of things should I be especially careful about in the future?"
- “Are there other types of cancer that I think I could get?”
- “What specific symptoms should I look out for?”
Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions like these. Your doctor will explain everything to you.
2. Go to clinics (Follow-up Checkups) on time.
After your cancer treatment is over, the doctor will give you a date to come back, right? Never miss going to those clinics. These follow-up checkups are very important for two reasons.
- See if there is a risk of the old cancer coming back.
- Monitor for possible side effects of treatment and the emergence of new medical conditions.
At these clinics, the doctor examines you and, if necessary, performs tests to make sure everything is okay. This is a great help in identifying any problems at an early stage.
3. Be aware of new symptoms
No one knows your body better than you do. So always pay attention to changes in your body. If you notice a new symptom that wasn't there before, don't ignore it.
- A new lump somewhere on the body.
- A lingering pain.
- A change in the color, shape, or size of a birthmark on the skin.
- Weight loss without reason.
- A persistent cough or a change in voice.
If you notice anything new like this, don't panic, see your doctor right away and tell them about it. It could be normal. But it's best to get checked out.
Other common side effects of radiation therapy
Although developing a second cancer is very rare, there are several other common side effects that come with radiation therapy. Most of these occur during or shortly after treatment and go away over time.
| Side effect | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | You may start to feel tired within a few weeks of starting treatment. This tiredness is because the body is using energy to repair healthy cells. This will gradually go away once treatment is complete. |
| Skin Changes | The skin in the area receiving radiation therapy may become red, sunburned, dry, flaky, or itchy. Although these will resolve after treatment, you may still have changes in skin color or sensitivity in that area. |
| Low Blood Counts | This is rare. The number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood may decrease. If this happens, your doctor may stop your treatment for a few days and wait until your blood cell count returns to normal. |
| Hair Loss | If you are treating the scalp or surrounding area, you may lose hair in that area. Don't worry, the hair will grow back after the treatment is over. |
In addition to these immediate side effects, some people may experience late side effects that appear months or years after treatment. However, your doctor will plan your treatment to minimize these long-term side effects.
Take-Home Message
- Radiation therapy is a very effective and life-saving treatment for cancer.
- The risk of a second cancer developing in the future due to this treatment is very rare . The benefits of the treatment far outweigh that risk.
- Stay in touch with your doctor regularly. Ask any questions you have. Attend clinics on time.
- Pay attention to your body. If you notice any unusual symptoms that you haven't had before, don't panic and inform your doctor immediately.
- Being aware and not afraid is the best way to protect your health .
Cancer, Radiation Therapy, Radiation Therapy, second primary cancer, cancer side effects , cancer treatment, cancer symptoms
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න