Radiation therapy is one of the treatment options for you or a loved one with cancer. Hence, knowing about the side effects that can occur during the treatment process is significant. Radiation therapy is the choice that has been made several times and is a very effective method to kill cancer cells, but on the other hand, it can still damage healthy cells that are close to the targeted area. Here we discuss radiation therapy side effects and some ways of managing them.
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Understanding the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a method of cancer treatment that involves the use of radiation to selectively kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA so that they cannot reproduce. In general, this therapy is very effective. However, it may also lead to side effects as a result of the damage to healthy cells in the same area. To begin with, the side effects of radiation therapy are
- Fatigue: Most of the time, patients say that they are tired and have no strength during a treatment session with radiotherapy and also after the therapy has been completed.
- Skin changes: The skin that is exposed to radiation might get reddened and irritated and become sensitive.
- Hair loss: The loss of hair can be either temporary or permanent depending on the radiation source area of patients.
- Nausea and vomiting: Sometimes, the patients also undergo the gastrointestinal symptoms of radiation therapy, which include nausea and vomiting.
Radiation therapy to the head and neck may cause the inability to swallow and sore throat.
In the end, the doctor’s side could be the long-term side of radiation therapy, where he or she might discover the presence of fibrosis or secondary cancers as the lingering effects of the therapy.
Dealing with Radiation Therapy Side Effects
To manage side effects of radiation, talk to your doctors and follow their directions. The following are some examples of techniques for side effect control:
- Fatigue: Take charge of your sleeping pattern, and if possible, engage in light physical activities.
- Skin changes: Use comfortable skin products, and do not expose the treated skin area to the sun.
- Hair loss: You might decide to wear a headband or hat, or you might think about getting new hair.
- Vomiting and nausea: It’s critical to support your stomach by eating smaller meals more frequently and making sure you always drink enough water.
- Difficulty in swallowing food: Prepare easily swallowed soft foods and seek help from a speech therapist if necessary.
- Delayed effects: Be very careful about your follow-up appointments to take a look at any side effects that have developed over time and discuss them and the ways to manage them.
Radiation therapy is one of the most important aspects of cancer treatment, but because of its side effects, it may be the reason the health of the patient will be adversely affected. Early identification and management of the likely side effects will enable you to minimize them and continue the process of recovery. In case you need any kind of clarification or help about your treatment. Dr. Rajender Kumar and his team will guide you through your entire journey of cancer.
