Radiation Therapy: What to Expect
Side Effects
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer Center Staff
Creation Date: October 2002
Last Review Date: November 2006
The side effects of radiation therapy are mainly confined to the area being treated. Fatigue (tiredness) is a side effect that can be experienced by anyone undergoing radiation. Get plenty of rest and sleep as often as you feel necessary. Sometimes several shorter naps or breaks may be more beneficial than a long rest period. Mild or light exercise, such as walking, may help decrease fatigue.
The degree of tiredness will be different in each person. Some people with desk jobs continue to work as usual. Others feel best if they work half days. Persons who do heavy labor may need to take time off during radiation therapy and for a few weeks after treatment is completed.
Some side effects come on suddenly. These effects are called "acute". They happen while you are receiving treatment. Late side effects are changes in the body that happen as a result of radiation. They do not show up until a few months to years after radiation is done. Ask your doctor about what the possible late side effects are for your type of radiation therapy.
To learn more about radiation therapy, contact the Cancer Information Service at: cancer-information@uiowa.edu or 1-800-237-1225.
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