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The long-term side effects of radiation therapy

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Side effects from radiation therapy for cancer can occur at any time during treatment, but they can also continue after your treatment has finished. For some, these side effects can become chronic and affect the body from both a physical and emotional standpoint. Figuring out the best way to manage these side effects can be vital to managing your quality of life during and after treatment.

Can radiation therapy have side effects years later?

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells, but it can sometimes damage the surrounding healthy cells and cause side effects. While most side effects go away once you stop treatment, you may notice prolonged side effects, called late effects. These late effects can show up months or even years after treatment, depending on the radiation dosage and location. Your age, overall health, number of treatment sessions, and more can all influence your risk of developing late effects.

Be sure to speak with your care team about any lingering symptoms and what you can expect after treatment. Below are some late effects that may occur based on the area treated.

  • Head/neck radiation: If you had radiation to this area, you may experience changes to your mouth area. You may notice dry mouth, jaw stiffness, bone loss in the jaw, or taste alteration. Your care team may recommend staying hydrated, maintaining good dental hygiene, and jaw exercises to help combat these late effects.
  • Brain radiation: With brain radiation, cognitive and behavioral changes may occur, depending on the area of the brain that received radiation. These side effects can present in different ways including memory loss, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. Depending on your specific symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication, refer you to a specialist, or recommend other cognitive strategies to help you cope.
  • Chest radiation: Some late effects of chest radiation are chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or lung and heart damage. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that involves regular movement, a balanced diet, and no tobacco or vaping can help manage these symptoms and enhance your overall health.
  • Pelvic radiation: Radiation to the pelvic area can cause damage to the ovaries or the testes. If receiving radiation to the pelvis is part of your treatment plan, ask how fertility may be impacted if preserving fertility is something you want to pursue. Radiation to this area could also lead to bladder or bowel problems,

Additional long-term effects after radiation therapy can also include: 

  • Skin changes: Radiation can cause long-term or permanent changes to the color and texture of your skin in the treated area. The skin affected by radiation is going to be sensitive and might even consistently feel swollen. Make sure to always use fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers, and apply sunscreen daily. If your skin gets worse, your doctor or dermatologist might want to take a look.
  • Endocrine or hormone problems: If there’s been damage to body parts that produce hormones, like the thyroid, it could influence overall health. Depending on the hormones affected, your doctor will recommend different therapies to help you manage any side effects. 
  • Loss in bone density: Since radiation can weaken bones, being proactive about bone health is critical. Your care team may order a DEXA scan, which is a type of X-ray, to check your bone density and see if you have any bone loss. Strength training, a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco use can help lower your risk of bone problems, including osteoporosis and osteopenia. 
  • Emotional distress: For some survivors, coping with fear of recurrence, anxiety, depression, or grief is the most challenging. Your care team may recommend integrative therapies or refer you to a psychiatrist to help you navigate the complex emotions.

If you’re experiencing any of the long-term side effects mentioned above, ask your doctor what kind of relief is available for you. You may even be eligible for clinical trials that focus on side effects post-treatment.

If you would like to connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, just use the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.

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