Radiotherapy uses x-rays and other electron therapies to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered externally or from within the body and can help ease pain or discomfort, particularly in the bones.
What are the side effects?
Depending on the area being treated, side effects of radiotherapy can include:
- burns to the skin at the treatment site - you may like to talk to your radiation oncologist about how to care for your skin before your treatment begins
- changes in the skin colour; it may become darker during treatment
- fatigue (tiredness)
- nausea and vomiting
As radiotherapy continues working after the treatment has finished, it may be a couple of weeks before women start to feel the benefit.
The page on managing symptoms and side effects may be helpful.
