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Leukaemia Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about leukaemia

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Are there side-effects to radiotherapy?

There are a number of side-effects to radiotherapy but how they affect you will be specific to you.

Explanation

Your radiotherapy may make you feel very tired, particularly if you are travelling for treatment. Rest when you need to, and ask others for help with day-to-day tasks such as cleaning. Tiredness can last for a few months. Eating smaller meals if you don't feel very hungry will help ensure you are getting enough energy to regain strength.

Some people have a skin reaction about three or four weeks after having external radiotherapy. The person who is treating you will put marks on your skin which won't fade during treatment. This is normal. Skin reactions can include soreness and a change in skin colour which usually settles down after two to four weeks. Don't use creams or dressings; ask the person who is treating you for advice before you use anything on the area. This only applies to the area where you are treated and the rest of your skin can be treated normally.

Your skin in the area where you have been treated will be sensitive to the sun and cold winds too. You will need to cover the area from the sun and wind for at least a year after treatment. Even after this time the area will be sensitive. High-factor sun creams and lose-fitting clothing over these areas can protect the skin.

There may be other effects, depending on the area that is being treated. Ask the person who is treating you for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • General side-effects of radiotherapy. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 9 June 2008
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Will I be sick if I have chemotherapy?

Not all chemotherapy medicines make you feel or be sick but if they do, there are medicines which can treat any sickness you may have.

Explanation

Your doctor will usually give you anti-sickness (antiemetics) injections or tablets if you have side-effects caused by chemotherapy, such as feeling or being sick.

The medicines work well in most people but this does depend on different factors. The combination of medicines you are taking, the dose, your reaction to the medicines, and any other factors that influence your reaction to the medicines (eg age, medical history) can influence how the medicines will make you feel.

Your doctor will be able to advise you about whether you need to take anti-sickness medicines if you have chemotherapy.

Further information

Sources

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Could I pass leukaemia to my children?

No, leukaemia can't be caught and it isn't thought to be genetic.

Explanation

Some genetic conditions which can be passed from parent to child can increase the risk of some forms of leukaemia but don't directly cause leukaemia. These conditions include Down's syndrome, Fanconi's anaemia and ataxia telangiectasia. Leukaemia can't directly be passed to a child.

Further information

Sources

  • Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Leukaemia Research. www.lrf.org.uk, accessed 30 April 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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