Radiotherapy side effects
Side effects of radiotherapy can be short or long term. Short term side effects such as tiredness will improve a few weeks after treatment. But long term effects can continue on for a lot longer and sometimes might be permanent. Your doctor will discuss this with you before you start treatment.
It's important to remember that you only have side effects in the area you are having radiotherapy to. Your doctor, specialist nurse or radiographer will help you to manage any side effects you have.
General radiotherapy side effects
Radiotherapy can cause a range of side effects, including tiredness and sore skin in the treatment area. Find out more about the general side effects of radiotherapy.
Chest radiotherapy side effects
The main side effects from chest radiotherapy include difficulty swallowing, sickness, weight loss, breathlessness, lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment, and heart problems.
Brain radiotherapy side effects
Radiotherapy to the brain can cause side effects such as sickness and hair loss. Find out more about these side effects and how to cope.
Head and neck radiotherapy side effects
The main side effects from head and neck radiotherapy include mouth problems, problems with your teeth, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, changes to your voice and swelling in your neck and face (lymphoedema).
Abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy side effects
The main side effects from abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy include diarrhoea, sickness, weight loss, bladder problems and pain. You may also experience more general side effects such as sore skin, tiredness and changes to your sex life and fertility.
Long term side effects of radiotherapy
Radiotherapy has some long term side effects which may come on several months or years after you have finished your radiotherapy treatment.
