Radiation therapy uses radiation, or strong beams of energy, to kill cancer cells or to keep them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy involves a daily administration of small doses of radiation over a period of several days to several weeks. Normal body tissues vary in their response to radiation therapy and the effects from therapy depend on the area of the body that's treated.
Extreme Tiredness
According to the American Cancer Society, extreme tiredness occurs as a common effect of radiation therapy. Extreme tiredness from radiation therapy can happen for reasons known and unknown. Some of the reasons include anemia, or a low red blood cell count; poor nutrition; pain; medicines such as steroids or chemotherapy; depression and stress. Extreme tiredness can last for months after the last radiation therapy session.
Hair Loss
Radiation therapy can cause hair loss because it damages the cells that grow quickly, such as those located in the hair roots, reports the National Cancer Institute. Hair loss only happens on the part of the body receiving treatment. For instance, if radiation therapy occurs to the brain, then only the hair on the head falls out.
Skin Changes
Effects of radiation therapy may include skin changes, notes the American Cancer Society. Radiation therapy causes skin cells to break down and die. Skin changes include a darker color in the treatment area; thinning of the skin; dryness, itchiness and peeling; and the skin may become tender or more sensitive in the treated area.
Mouth Problems
Radiation to the head or neck area can cause mouth problems, reports the National Cancer Institute. The mouth problems include a dry mouth and throat; mouth sores; infections of the gums, teeth, or tongue; tooth decay; an alteration in taste; jaw stiffness and bone changes; and thick, rope-like saliva.
Digestive Disturbances
Radiation therapy can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, reports the National Cancer Institute. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur after radiation therapy to the stomach, small intestine, colon, or parts of the brain. The effects of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea depend on the amount of radiation given and how much of the body area receives treatment.
Urinary Problems
Urinary and bladder problems may occur in people who get radiation therapy to the prostate or bladder, reports the National Cancer Institute. Radiation therapy harms the healthy cells of the bladder wall and urinary tract, which can cause inflammation, ulcers and infection.
Infertility
According to the American Cancer Society, radiation to the testicles can cause a permanent loss of sperm production. Women who have radiation therapy to both ovaries may experience early menopause and permanent infertility.
