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Radiotherapy Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about radiotherapy

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

 

What are the most common side-effects of radiotherapy?

This will depend on which part of your body is treated. Common side-effects include hair loss and tiredness.

Explanation

Radiotherapy is the use of radiation to treat cancer. Radiotherapy doesn't only target cancer cells, but any cells that divide rapidly. The type and severity of side-effects depends on:

  • which part of your body is treated
  • the dose and duration of radiotherapy
  • your general health
  • the type of cancer

Common side-effects may include permanent hair loss in the treated area and tiredness during treatment. The tiredness is usually a result of the body working hard to repair healthy tissue. Your energy levels should improve a few weeks after completing your treatment. Other side-effects might include temporary soreness and redness of skin in the areas treated, or, if the mouth or throat areas are treated, soreness of the mouth, throat or oesophagus (the pipe that goes from your mouth to your stomach). Before having your treatment, discuss with your doctor what side-effects you are likely to have so that you can prepare and manage any problems.

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Will radiotherapy affect my fertility?

Temporary or permanent infertility is likely if the womb, ovaries or testicles are exposed to radiation.

Explanation

The impact of radiotherapy on fertility is influenced by factors including:

  • the dose and duration of radiotherapy in the pelvic area
  • your general health
  • the type of cancer

You must discuss the risk of infertility with your doctor before you start your treatment. Radiotherapy in the pelvic area in women of childbearing age will usually bring on an early menopause. This means the ovaries will stop producing eggs and the female sex hormones and you won't be able to get pregnant afterwards. You may need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to overcome symptoms of the menopause.

Men may want to consider sperm banking before starting radiotherapy. This is when sperm are frozen and stored until you are ready to try for a baby.

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Will radiotherapy burn my skin?

Your skin may become red, itchy and sometimes sore, like sunburn. This is usually temporary.

Explanation

You may develop a skin reaction after having external radiotherapy. How likely this is depends on the location of the cancer and the area of the body treated. If your skin is affected, the reaction may appear immediately after radiotherapy or several weeks later. The reaction usually clears after a week or two. Creams and lotions are available to help ease the symptoms. Skin burns and permanent damage or significant scarring of the skin are uncommon. However, it is likely that treated areas of skin will have slightly different pigmentation, be a little thinner, and may not heal as well if injured in the future.

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

Publication date: December 2008

 

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