Side Effects

Constipation What is constipation? Constipation is a decrease in the number of daily bowel movements and/or the difficult passage of hard stool. It may cause discomfort or bleeding from the rectum. This may be caused by decreased fluid and/or food intake,...
Diarrhea Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools three or more times a day that may or may not cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen and/or rectum. Because diarrhea can cause many problems, including dehydration, loss of important nutrients,...
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) This hand-out answers questions about and offers tips for coping with dry mouth (xerostomia) resulting from radiation treatment.
Effects of Radiotherapy on the Oral Cavity INTRODUCTION Approximately one million people will develop invasive cancer each year. Of these, 40% will receive curative benefit from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination modality.(5) In dealing with patients with cancer of the...
Esophagitis Esophagitis is a painful inflammation of the esophagus caused by cancer treatment.
Guide to Blood Counts Cancer therapy not only destroys cancerous cells, but may affect healthy cells in your body. Blood cells are commonly affected during cancer therapy, and this can lead to problems depending on the function of that blood cell. Use the blood count...
Loss of Appetite Good nutrition is very important during radiation therapy because protein and calories are needed to repair normal cells in the treatment field that have been damaged. Some people lose their appetite during radiation therapy. The causes of loss of...
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) Thrombocytopenia is a low level of platelets. Radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy medications can damage platelets and lead to thrombocytopenia. Patients receiving a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy are at greater risk for...
Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia) Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs). Since most cancer therapies destroy cells that grow at a fast rate, and red blood cells have relatively rapid growth rates, they are often affected. An important part of the RBC is...
Low White Blood Cell Count/Neutropenia White blood cells (WBC) are one part of our body's immune system, working to protect us against infection. A neutrophil is one type of WBC and they make up the majority of WBCs. They are the "first responders" and quickly appear at the site of...
Mouth Sores Mouth sores are small cuts or open ulcers that can occur anywhere in the mouth. The sores may be bright red or may have small white patches in the middle, and sometimes may bleed. Patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck area may...
Nausea and Vomiting
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Skin Reactions From Radiation Information on caring for your skin during radiation therapy.
Taste Changes During Cancer Therapy This hand-out provides tips for managing taste changes associated with cancer and treatment.
Tips for Dealing with Urinary Incontinence (for women)
Vaginal Dilators for Radiation Therapy
Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse
What are the side effects of radiation therapy? The side effects of radiation therapy vary from patient to patient. Most patients have only mild side effects that are easily managed. There are two main types of side effects: acute and chronic. Acute side effects occur during the treatment phase...