Managing side effects of radiation therapy for cancer - FOX 54 WZDX – Huntsville News, Weather and Sports

By Lila Havens, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer. But in addition to killing cancer cells, radiation can also damage healthy cells in the treated area. That can lead to side effects.

Some people may have no side effects from radiation or only mild ones. Others have serious ones that make them feel very ill. What side effects you have will depend on the part of the body that was treated and on the radiation dose.

Some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy are:

• Fatigue
• Skin changes in the treated area, including redness, irritation and dryness
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

These early side effects usually go away within a few weeks after treatment is finished. In the meantime, the tips below may help you cope. See the Related Articles box for detailed articles on managing other side effects.

Tell your doctor or oncology nurse about any side effects you are having. He or she may be able to suggest or prescribe treatment.

Fatigue
Radiation may make you feel very tired, weak or slowed down.To combat fatigue:

• Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
• Give yourself rest breaks or take short naps during the day. But don't sleep more than an hour in the daytime.
• Cut back on activities. It's good to stay active but don't try to do too much.
• Get regular light exercise, such as walking or yoga. This may help you have more energy. Ask your doctor about a safe level of activity.
• Ask for help from friends or family.

Skin problems
Radiation can cause sunburn-like changes to the treated skin, such as dryness, redness, itching or peeling. Take good care of your skin:

• Be gentle with your skin. Don't rub, scratch or scrub it.
• For washing, use lukewarm water and mild soap. Pat dry.
• Don't put anything hot or cold, such as heating pads or ice packs, on treated skin.
• Use only lotions and skin products suggested by your doctor.
• Wear soft fabrics and avoid tight clothing.
• Protect your skin from the sun. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors.

Hair loss
Radiation may cause hair loss but only in the area being treated. It is not like chemotherapy, which causes hair loss all over the body. If you have radiation to your head, you may lose some or all of the hair on your head. Radiation to the pelvis may affect your pubic hair.

If you are having radiation to the head:

• Be gentle with your scalp. Use mild shampoo and pat your hair dry.
• Avoid hair dryers, curling irons and similar devices that could damage your scalp.
• Protect your scalp by wearing a hat or scarf when you are outdoors.
• If you plan to wear a wig, you might want to select it before your hair comes out. That way, you can match it to your natural shade. Some insurance companies will pay for wigs needed due to hair loss from cancer treatment.

Nausea
It is common to feel queasy for a few hours after radiation treatment, especially to the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Your doctor may prescribe medication to control it. These tips may also help:

• Don't eat before treatment. If this doesn't help, have a bland snack such as crackers and apple juice an hour or two before treatment.
• Relax before treatment. Do something soothing, such as listening to music, reading or doing deep breathing or meditation.
• Eat five or six small meals a day instead of two or three large ones.
• Choose foods that can be served cool or at room temperature.
• Avoid fatty or fried foods and foods that have strong smells.

Diarrhea
Radiation to the stomach or pelvic area often harms healthy cells in the intestines, leading to diarrhea.If you have diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as water, weak tea and clear broths.
• Eat foods that are easy on your stomach, such as rice, bananas, applesauce, yogurt, boiled potatoes and dry toast.
• Avoid high-fiber foods and ones that cause gas, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, raw fruits and vegetables, beans, cabbage, coffee and spicy foods.
• Eat several small meals and snacks a day.