Radiotherapy
Side effects of radiotherapy can be short or long term. Short term side effects such as tiredness will improve a few weeks after treatment. But long term effects can continue on for a lot longer and sometimes might be permanent. Your doctor will discuss this with you before you start treatment.
It's important to remember that you only have side effects in the area you are having radiotherapy to. Your doctor, specialist nurse or radiographer will help you to manage any side effects you may have.
Radiotherapy can cause a range of side effects, including tiredness and sore skin in the treatment area. Find out more about the general side effects of radiotherapy.
The main side effects from chest radiotherapy include difficulty swallowing, sickness, weight loss, breathlessness, lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment, and heart problems.
Radiotherapy to the brain can cause side effects such as sickness and hair loss. Find out more about these side effects and how to cope.
The main side effects from head and neck radiotherapy include mouth problems, problems with your teeth, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, changes to your voice and swelling in your neck and face (lymphoedema).
The main side effects from abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy include diarrhoea, sickness, weight loss, bladder problems and pain. You may also experience more general side effects such as sore skin, tiredness and changes to your sex life and fertility.
Radiotherapy has some long term side effects which may come on several months or years after you have finished your radiotherapy treatment.
Last reviewed: 11 Jan 2024
Next review due: 11 Jan 2027
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