|
Despite the great efforts that are made
to protect normal tissue during the administration of
radiation treatment, some contact is unavoidable and
side effects often occur. Some side effects are general
while others affect only the area being treated. Knowing
these side effects, cancer patients will find themselves
better prepared and may find it easier to cope with
them.
|
|
Most cancer patients receiving radiation therapy report feeling
"tired" during the radiation treatment. The experience of fatigue
may not be severe enough to interrupt their daily activities,
but it usually increases gradually during the course of radiation
treatment. It may take weeks or even months to vanish after
completion of the radiation treatment. Patients are advised
to rest as much as possible during radiation treatment.
Another common side effect during radiation treatment is
nausea, and
possibly vomiting. This kind of reaction to radiation therapy
is more likely when large areas are being treated or when
the treatment covers the upper part of the abdomen. Any nausea
caused by the treatment can usually be relieved by taking
a mild anti-nausea tablet. Many cancer patients lose their
appetite while suffering from nausea. As with all treatment
for cancer, patients are encouraged to keep up a healthy diet
and drink plenty of fluids.
Occasionally, mild depression can develop in some cancer
patients as a result of radiation therapy. Under such circumstances,
support groups or professional advice can be of great help.
In addition to the general side effects mentioned above,
some symptoms are responses of the organ or structure receiving
radiation treatment. For example, hair loss can be caused
by radiation therapy given to the head. Reactions such as
swallowing difficulty and shortness of breath can be caused
by the radiation treatment applied to the chest area.
Side effects that occur with any one type of radiation treatment
may be different from person to person. Cancer patients who
have identical courses of treatment may have different side
effects and the severity of their side effects may also vary.
Some people may go through their entire course of treatment
with almost no side effects. Due to the improvement of modern
day radiation therapy machines, side effects brought on by
radiation treatment have become much less severe.
The radiation oncologist is the best person to advise the
patient if side effects occur. Patients should talk with their
doctor about any symptoms they are experiencing. The doctor
can give the patient information, or prescribe medicines,
that can help relieve some of the side effects caused by the
radiation therapy.
Although there is increasing concern about the dangers of
radiation and the possible side effects of the treatment,
with continued improvement of the technology and the experience
of doctors in properly using the machines, the risks of radiation
treatment are becoming much smaller and are greatly outweighed
by the benefits.
|
