The side effects you may experience from radiation therapy depend on the type of radiation you have, how much radiation you get, where the radiation is targeted, and your overall health. Different people may have different side effects even if they are being treated in the same area. You only get radiation side effects in the area of treatment.
Your health care provider will discuss what side effects you may expect and may provide you with information to take home. You can also see the Side Effects page for more information.
Image Description:
The diagram showcases a human body noting specific areas of the body and the particular side effects you may experience from radiation therapy. The side effects and their locations are as follows:
Brain
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Earaches
- Nausea
- Hair loss
Mouth and Throat:
- Sore/dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Taste changes
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling
- Loss of appetite
Chest:
- Heartburn
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Breast:
- Breast soreness
- Breast swelling
- Firmness
- Skin redness
Abdomen:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
Pelvis:
- Weak urine stream
- Burning urination
- Need to urinate more often
- Diarrhea
- Fertility problems
- Sexual changes
Muscles, Joints and Legs:
- Pain
- Swelling
General:
- Fatigue
- Skin changes
- Hair loss in treated region
Note: This is a general list of side effects and does not include all possible side effects. Your healthcare team will discuss with you what side effects you may expect from your treatment.
When will the side effects from radiation therapy start?
Most side effects start gradually, usually toward the end of the second week of treatment. Side effects will continue throughout the rest of your treatment. They will slowly disappear about a month after your treatment is done.
If you are having fewer than 10 treatments, side effects can begin after the first couple treatments.
Radiation Therapy webpages
Visit the Radiation Therapy page, for more information about what Radiation Therapy is and how it is given.
- Visit the Radiation Therapy Pathway page to learn more about the Radiation Therapy process.
- Visit the Your Planning Appointments page to learn more about Radiation Therapy appointments.
- Visit the Your Treatments page to learn more about Radiation Therapy Treatments.
- Visit the Patient Review Clinic page for more information about Patient Review Clinic Appointments.
- Visit the Radiation Therapy Appointments page to learn more about how Radiation Therapy appointments are booked.
- Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about Radiation Therapy.
