One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. Radioprotective drugs for reducing side effects It’s always best to talk to your radiation oncologist about the risk of long-term side effects. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation.

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.

Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. They’re usually gone within a few weeks after treatment ends. These side effects tend to be short-term, mild, and treatable.

Early side effects happen during or shortly after treatment.

Early and late effects of radiation therapy Tell your cancer care team about any side affects you notice so they can help you with them. If you have side effects that are bothersome and affecting your daily activities or health, the doctor may stop your treatments for a while, change the schedule, or change the type of treatment you’re getting. Others find they need more rest than usual and can’t do as much. Some patients are able to go to work or enjoy leisure activities while they get radiation therapy. What you can do will depend on how you feel. Side effects might limit your ability to do some things. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment.

Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Some people have few or no side effects, while others have quite a few. Any side effect you might have depends on the type and location of cancer, the dose of radiation being given, and your general health. It's very important to remember that every person reacts differently to treatment.

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