Radiotherapy or radiation therapy is one of the methods used to treat cancer. This therapy makes use of radiation beams to kill cancer cells. However, sometimes, these beams can even damage healthy cells.

What happens during radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy involves the use of X-rays and proton rays to target cancerous cells. High-energy external beams are aimed at the affected area. The genetic material in cancer cells would be damaged by radiation. This helps to destroy cancer cells. Unfortunately, radiation even destroys some of the healthy cells leading to side effects.

Skin problems
Some of the main side effects of cancer treatment during radiotherapy are those that affect the skin. Radiation beams are targeted at the tumor but they first hit the skin. The skin in the areas that receive radiation would be affected the most. Sometimes, the adjoining areas may also be affected as well.

Common skin problems caused due to radiation therapy:

• Redness in the skin
• The skin becomes sore and can be painful
• Dry skin is a common side effect, which can lead to severe itching
• The soreness and itching can cause scratches and bleeding
• The skin becomes sensitive and tender
• In extreme cases, the skin can start peeling off. If the skin peels off, the inner layer may ooze fluid and become infected
• Sometimes skin problems are so severe that there is no option but to stop radiation therapy until the skin heals.

Mild cream and ointments are used to control skin problems. The skin needs to be moisturized to prevent itching and dryness. Once radiation therapy stops, the affected skin would peel off, causing new skin growth. Some patients are given oxygen therapy to resolve skin problems.

Problems in the areas treated
Side effects can occur in the area treated by radiation therapy. Since organs in those areas are affected, side effects related to the organs may occur also.

Head and neck
Radiation to the head and neck area can cause dryness in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, mouth sores, nausea, and tooth problems.

Chest
Radiation to the chest area can cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.

Abdominal region
Digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea can occur.

Pelvic region
Excess urination, difficulty controlling the urge to urinate, and reduced sex drive are common side effects when radiation is directed at the pelvic region.

Common side effects
The common side effects of radiation therapy would include:

• Hair loss in the area being treated. This is usually temporary and hair growth resumes once treatment is completed.
• Fatigue is a common side effect of radiotherapy.
• Loss of appetite is another common side effect of radiation.

It is best to speak to the doctor to get a clear image of the main side effects of cancer treatment experienced during radiation therapy.