Radiotherapy Explained: How It Works, Benefits, and Common Side Effects

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Radiotherapy is a powerful treatment used for cancer treatment. It uses high doses of radiation that target and shrink cancer cells. Combined  with chemotherapy or surgery, it enhances the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment. 

While highly effective in controlling or destroying tumours, this approach often comes with harmful side effects. This blog will discuss these side effects, educating the readers on how to manage them and when to seek medical support. 

How Radiation Therapy Works?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation, like X-rays or gamma rays. This radiation targets the cancerous cells and damages their DNA, preventing them from growing and dividing further, ultimately leading to their death. However, during this process, the surrounding healthy tissues also get exposed to radiation, leading to harmful side effects. 

Common Radiotherapy Side Effects 

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

• Fatigue
• Heartburn 
• Cough 
• Soreness 
• Loss of appetite 
• Sore throat 
• Hair Loss 
• Nausea and Vomiting 
• Soreness or swelling of the breast 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Rectum or Anal inflammation 
• Painful bowel movements 
• Loss of bladder control
• Fertility issues 
• Indigestion 
• Bloating or gas 
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ulcers 
• Kidney problems 
• Radiation Enteritis 
• Bladder Infection 
• Frequent urge to urinate 
• Skin problems such as dryness, redness and irritation 
• Heart issues, including irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure

Note: Some late side effects include lung problems, changes in skin colour, osteoporosis and mental and emotional problems  

Managing Radiation Side Effects 

Here are some ways in which to manage the side effects of radiation therapy: 

Skin Care

Radiation therapy can cause skin reactions like redness and irritation. Therefore, it’s recommended to use gentle and fragrance-free lotions to moisturise your skin. Avoiding harsh soaps, tight clothing, and prolonged sun exposure on the treated skin are also some ways of managing skin damage. 

Nausea and Appetite Loss Management 

Nausea and appetite loss can occur when radiation affects the areas near the stomach. Eat small meals with bland and easy-to-digest foods, staying hydrated and using prescribed 

anti-nausea medications can help manage these symptoms 

Emotional and Psychological Support 

Emotional distress is a significant side effect of radiotherapy. Seeking help from mental health professionals, support groups and counselors can help manage the anxiety patients experience after treatment. 

Managing Bowel and Bladder Issues 

Radiation can be harmful to gut health as it may irritate the bladder and intestines, leading to bloating, rectal bleeding and frequent urination. These symptoms can be effectively managed by following a low-fibre diet, staying hydrated, and taking prescribed antidiarrheal medications.

Note: Practising these simple methods can help manage the side effects of radiation therapy. However, you must know when to seek medical help. Let’s discuss that in the section below 

When to Seek Medical Help?

Although some side effects of radiation therapy are easily manageable, you should contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms: 

• Severe Skin Reactions or Possible Infection: If your skin reaction goes beyond mild redness and irritation, such as open wounds or blisters.  
• Severe Fatigue: Fatigue is the most common radiation side effect, but if it becomes chronic, medical help can provide supportive measures. 
• Persistent Vomiting, Nausea or Inability to Eat: Considering a nutritionist is highly recommended if this nausea or vomiting becomes persistent. 
• Frequent Rectal Bleeding: If rectal bleeding becomes frequent and you experience painful bowel movements, consult your doctor as soon as possible. 
• Respiratory Problems: Radiation to the chest area might cause lung inflammation that can turn into fibrosis if left untreated. Therefore, symptoms like coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath should not be overlooked. 

Does Radiation Therapy Cause Cancer? 

Yes, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments can cause a new cancer years after the cancer treatment. This is known as a second primary cancer. Its risks depend on the treated body part. 

Although there are rare chances of getting a second primary cancer after treatment, the risk is not zero. Therefore, it’s important to ask your cancer care team for the potential risks of radiation therapy before moving forward with the treatment. 

Bottom Line: Managing Radiation Treatment Wisely 

Radiotherapy remains one of the most effective cancer treatments. However, like every coin has two faces, it comes with potential side effects that can impact the physical and emotional well-being of cancer patients.

The best approach here would be to stay informed about these side effects, know how to manage and seek medical treatment if things get worse. Moreover, although rare, there is a small risk of developing a second primary cancer due to radiation therapy. 

This makes it crucial to have open conversations with your cancer care team about the potential risks before moving forward with the treatment. 

We understand that the entire journey of receiving a cancer diagnosis to undergoing treatment can be both emotionally and financially draining. Here, having cancer insurance can act as a powerful safety net covering crucial medical expenses- ambulance, hospitalisation and radiotherapy treatment.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential when purchasing health insurance. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.