Are you also scheduled to undergo radiation therapy for cancer? It's normal to feel a little scared and hesitant when you hear that. Questions like "What will happen with this? Will it be difficult for me? Will my hair fall out?" are probably running through your mind a hundred thousand times. That's understandable. But don't be afraid. We need to face anything with full awareness. So today, let's talk about what side effects can occur with radiation therapy, why they happen, and how we can deal with them.
Why do these radiation treatments cause side effects?
Simply put, radiation therapy is a method of destroying cancer cells by using high-energy rays (often X-rays). Radiation oncologists who plan this treatment make every effort to target these rays only at the cancer cells, without harming healthy cells.
Imagine we are spraying a herbicide on a place with some weeds. Our main goal is to kill the weeds, but sometimes it can have a small effect on the good, healthy plants nearby, right? That's what's happening here. Some healthy cells near the cancer can also be affected by this radiation.
But the best thing is, unlike cancer cells, our healthy cells can recover from this damage. It's during that recovery that we experience these side effects.
The important thing is that not everyone experiences the same side effects. And their severity varies from person to person. Your doctor is the best person to explain what you may experience.
What are the common side effects that are commonly seen?
The main side effect that many people who undergo radiation therapy experience is extreme fatigue. This is not just a feeling of tiredness from working all day. It is a feeling of extreme fatigue that occurs no matter how much sleep or rest you get.
In addition, there are several other common side effects:
- Skin changes: The skin may become red and sunburned at the treatment site, and some people may experience skin darkening, blistering, peeling, or itching. Doctors call this condition ``Radiation Dermatitis''.
- Hair loss: This is something that many people are afraid of when they hear it. But remember, hair loss only occurs in the area where the radiation is hitting. For example, a person who is having head treatment for brain cancer may lose hair on their head. A person who is having chest treatment will not lose hair on their head.
- Decreased blood cell count: The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in our blood may decrease slightly.
Most of these side effects are temporary and will gradually return to normal after treatment is completed.
Side effects depend on the part of the body being treated.
As we mentioned earlier, side effects are site-specific. This means that the side effects you experience may vary depending on the part of your body that is being treated. Let's take a look at what can happen when treating the main areas.
| Part of the body being treated | Possible side effects |
|---|---|
| Brain | Nausea, hair loss, headaches, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, vision changes (blurred vision), hearing difficulties. |
| Head and Neck | Dry mouth, thickened saliva in the mouth, hoarseness, dental problems (increased risk of tooth decay), loss or change in taste, mouth and throat sores, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face and neck, decreased thyroid function (Hypothyroidism). |
| Chest | Sore throat, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, cough, difficulty breathing. |
| Breast | Breast pain, tenderness, changes in breast appearance, stiffness in the shoulder or arm, swelling in the armpit or arm (Lymphedema). |
| Stomach and Abdomen | Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea (bloating), constipation, stomach pain, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss. |
| Pelvis | Frequent urination, burning when urinating, difficulty controlling urine or stool, nausea, diarrhea. For women: infertility, vaginal dryness or itching. For men: infertility, erectile dysfunction. |
When do these side effects start? How long will they last?
Side effects usually begin within the first few weeks of treatment. Sometimes, you may notice minor changes in your skin within the first few days. These side effects may become more severe as treatment continues.
For most people, these side effects begin to subside within a few weeks of completing treatment. For example, fatigue usually goes away within a few months. If hair has been lost, it will take about two to three months for it to grow back.
However, sometimes, especially with high-dose radiation therapy, some side effects can be long-lasting or permanent. So it's important to talk openly with your doctor about the long-term risks of your treatment plan.
Okay, so how do you manage these side effects?
Dealing with these side effects can be a challenge, but there are many things we can do to manage them.
- Give your body plenty of rest: Don't force yourself by thinking, 'I'll do this anyway.' Take a break when you feel tired. Do some light exercise and homework when you feel refreshed.
- Take special care of your skin: Gently wash the treated area with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Gently pat dry without rubbing. If you are going outside, be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Do not apply any creams or lotions to the treated area without consulting your doctor.
- Be mindful of your diet: Instead of three large meals, eat several small meals a day. Instead of spicy, oily foods, choose light, steamed foods. If you have nausea, something like ginger tea can help. It is very important to seek the help of a dietitian during this time.
- Think about your mental health: It's normal to feel stressed during this time. Get plenty of sleep. Try calming activities like meditation. It can be helpful to talk to a psychologist about the challenges of living with cancer.
- Take medication if necessary: Your doctor will prescribe medications to control side effects like nausea, pain, and diarrhea. Use them as directed.
- Get help from specialists: You can also get help from nutritionists, psychologists, and palliative care specialists who can help reduce the discomfort caused by symptoms and side effects.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed when planning radiation therapy. But remember, today's technology is much more advanced than before. It is now possible to target only the cancer cells with great precision, while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy cells. This means that there are fewer side effects than before. Discuss all your questions and fears with your doctor. Then you will have great strength to go through this journey.
Take-Home Message
- Radiation therapy is a targeted treatment that destroys cancer cells, while also causing minor damage to nearby healthy cells.
- It is normal to experience fatigue, skin changes, and hair loss at the treatment site. Most of these will go away after treatment.
- Side effects vary depending on the part of the body being treated.
- There are many ways to manage these side effects. Get plenty of rest, take care of your skin, and think about your diet.
- The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about any discomfort you may be feeling, even the slightest, without fear or hesitation. Then they can help you in the best way possible.
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