Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that acts to both kill cancer cells and shrink the size of tumors. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), approximately half of all individuals diagnosed with cancer receive radiation therapy, either alone or in conjunction with another type of cancer therapy. The effects of radiation for cancer can be complex, so it is important to discuss any questions or concerns with your oncologist before beginning treatment.
Cell Death
The goal of radiation therapy is to kill cancer cells, thereby preventing them from growing or spreading throughout the body. However, radiation therapy cannot differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous cells. This means that radiation therapy may also kill normal, healthy cells during treatment, though these cells are typically able to recover and continue to function properly according to the NCI. Radiation therapy is also effective at reducing the size of tumors by destroying tumor cells.
Head or Neck Effects
The effects of radiation vary based upon the site of cancer treatment. If you have radiation therapy performed on the head or neck, you may develop a number of oral or skin side effects of treatment. Certain patients develop redness or soreness within the mouth, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth or alterations in taste according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Radiation therapy patients may also experience earaches or facial swelling. Jaw stiffness, changes in skin texture or loss of hair may also occur in some patients as a result of radiation treatment. This form of treatment may also increase the likelihood of developing cavities in your teeth. Headaches, swelling or the brain, seizures or difficulty with memory and speech have also been experienced by radiation therapy patients---particularly those patients who have radiation therapy to treat brain-related cancer.
Breast or Chest Effects
Common side effects experienced by patients receiving radiation treatment for cancer located within the chest or breast include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing according to the ACS. Patients being treated for breast cancer may experience sore or swollen breast tissue, which will resolve once treatment has ended. Radiation therapy may also cause changes in the appearance of skin around the breast or chest. Skin that has been treated with radiation may appear red or take on a darker coloring. Damage to lung tissue may also occur, which can lead to respiratory problems in certain patients.
Stomach or Abdominal Effects
Individuals receiving radiation therapy for cancer that is location within the stomach or abdomen may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea according to the NCI. As with other regions of the body, radiation therapy may lead to changes in the appearance or texture of skin within treated areas.
Pelvic Effects
Common side effects experienced by patients receiving radiation treatment for cancer within the pelvis may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Additional symptoms may include bladder irritation, which may lead to an increase in urination in certain patients. Women undergoing radiation therapy in the pelvic area may miss or stop experiencing a menstrual period. Vaginal itching, dryness or burning may also occur in some women according to the ACS. Fertility may also be affected by pelvic radiation treatment in both men and women.
