how to reduce radiation treatment side effects

17 Ways to Prevent Radiation Therapy Side Effects

1. Fractionation – Fractionation is a method to reduce the side effect of radiotherapy. It helps to kill cancer cells by...
2. Hyperfractionation – Hyperfractionation is almost the same as fractionation, but the difference is the interval in...
3. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) – Intensity Modulated...

Full Answer

What causes the damaging effects on radiation on the body?

• Radiation cystitis. If the radiation damages the lining of the bladder, radiation cystitis can be a long-term problem that causes blood in the urine or pain when passing urine.
• Urinary incontinence. ...
• Fistulas. ...

What are the short term side effects of radiation treatment?

Short Term Side Effects

• Skin irritation: Your skin may become red, irritated, dry, or sensitive. ...
• Mild fatigue that generally gets better a month or two after treatment ends.
• Some patients have mild tenderness in the breast or chest wall.

More items...

What are the negative effects of radiation?

Radiation can damage the DNA in our cells. High doses of radiation can cause Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or Cutaneous Radiation Injuries (CRI). High doses of radiation could also lead to cancer later in life. Learn more about health effects of radiation exposure.

How will I feel during radiation treatment?

Some of these side effects occur on the skin, but the right skin care during radiation therapy can:

• Reduce side effects on your skin.
• Help your skin feel more comfortable during treatment.
• Allow your skin to recover more quickly after treatment.

How can you minimize the side effects of radiation therapy?

Treatment for Radiation Side EffectsGet plenty of rest and practice good sleep hygiene.Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients.Take care of the skin in the treatment area.Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially over the treatment area.Protect the treated area from the sun, heat, and cold.

How long does it take for radiation side effects to go away?

Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation.

What supplements should I take during radiation?

Some supplements, especially antioxidants, may change how radiation therapy works. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and selenium, among others. Many people take antioxidants during treatment hoping they can protect normal tissues from treatment side effects.

What foods should I avoid during radiation?

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.

What should I eat after radiation?

After surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, extra protein is usually needed to heal tissues and help fight infection. Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.

What are the worst side effects of radiotherapy?

Treatment areas and possible side effectsPart of the body being treatedPossible side effectsBrainFatigue Hair loss Memory or concentration problems Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Headache Blurry visionBreastFatigue Hair loss Skin changes Swelling (edema) Tenderness5 more rows•Jan 11, 2022

Does vitamin D Help with radiation?

Radiation resistance is a serious issue in radiotherapy. Increasing evidence indicates that the human gut microbiome plays a role in the development of radiation resistance. Vitamin D is an important supplement for cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

How much water should I drink during radiation?

The Symptoms The goal is to drink at least ten 8-ounce glasses of fluid every day. That amount should increase if you have diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Don't count on thirst to tell you when you need to drink.

Can I take turmeric during radiation?

Turmeric is likely safe for most people, but it should be avoided during chemotherapy, radiation or blood-thinning therapies.

How do you stay healthy during radiation therapy?

Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Avoid saturated fats, sugar, salt, and alcohol. Change your eating habits and times. Eat smaller meals more frequently.

Is radiation worse than chemo?

The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.

What happens if you get radiation treatment?

If you get external radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area may become more sensitive or look and feel sunburned. Ask your doctor or nurse before using any soap, lotions, deodorants, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder, or anything else on the treated area.

How to get rid of tiredness after radiation?

You may feel more tired than normal. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Depending on the area of your body getting radiation (for example, the belly or pelvic area), your doctor or nurse may suggest changes in your diet. Take care of the skin in the treatment area.

How does radiation therapy treat cancer?

contributed by Annette Schork, RN, BSN, OCN, CBCN, Cancer AnswerLine. Radiation therapy treats cancer by using high energy to kill tumor cells. Many people who get radiation therapy have skin changes and some fatigue.

How long after radiation do you have side effects?

Late side effects may first occur six or more months after radiation therapy is over. Late side effects may include infertility, joint problems, lymphedema, mouth problems, and secondary cancer. Everyone is different, so talk to your doctor or nurse about whether you might have late side effects and what signs to look for.

How long does it take for a symtom to go away after radiation?

Mouth changes such as soreness, dryness and difficulty swallowing (if radiation to head and neck area) Sexual impact (tenderness and soreness of genital organs if radiation to this area) Most of these side effects go away within two months after radiation therapy is finished.

How to treat radiation?

Take care of the skin in the treatment area. Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially over the treatment area. Protect the treated area from the sun, heat, and cold. You should also talk to your doctor about how to deal with specific side effects resulting from radiation therapy.

How to protect yourself from radiation side effects?

To guard your health and protect against side effects during radiation therapy, the American Cancer Society recommends the following strategies: Get plenty of rest and practice good sleep hygiene. Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Take care of the skin in the treatment area.

How is radiation therapy administered?

A form of energy released in particles or waves, radiation therapy is often administered by a machine that aims radiation at your cancer. Radiation may also be administered internally, through radioactive substances placed inside your body. Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects.

What is radiation therapy?

on November 01, 2019. There are a number of side effects associated with radiation therapy (also referred to as "radiotherapy" or "radiation"), a type of cancer treatment that helps kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

Other research in animals shows that the herb ginkgo biloba may help shield against organ damage resulting from radiation therapy. And although aloe vera is often touted as a natural remedy for radiation-induced skin changes, a 2005 research review concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera is effective in preventing or minimizing radiation-induced skin reactions. 4 

How long does it take for side effects to subside after radiation?

Although most side effects tend to subside within two months of completing radiation therapy, certain side effects (such as infertility) may not set in until six or more months after you've finished your radiation treatment.

Does radiation cause skin changes?

Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects. While skin changes (such as itching, peeling, and blistering) and fatigue are common among all patients receiving radiation, other side effects tend to vary depending on the bodily area being treated.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Updated on March 28, 2021. Side effects of radiation therapy, such as skin irritation, fatigue, cough, and more are common during treatment. Having an awareness of simple tips, such as how to care for your skin, how to pace yourself when tired, and staying out of the cold to help your cough can make you more comfortable.

How to get rid of redness from radiation?

There are many things you can do yourself to help you cope with the common skin redness and irritation associated with radiation therapy: Use plain water or gentle soap to cleanse the area where radiation is applied .

What happens if you have radiation on your stomach?

Doctors term this "radiation esophagitis." Symptoms can include heartburn, a sensation of something being stuck in your throat, or difficulty swallowing ( dysphagia ).

How long does it take for skin to get red after radiation?

Skin Irritation. Within the first few weeks of radiation therapy, you may notice your skin becoming red and irritated. Your physician may prescribe a cream to ease the discomfort. Taking care to protect your skin from other sources of irritation can help as well.

How to get rid of fatigue from cancer?

Accept help from others. Exercise daily, even a few minutes of light exercise, such as walking, may help. It may sound counterintuitive, but small amounts of exercise can significantly reduce cancer fatigue. Try to get plenty of sleep at night, and nap during the day, if needed.

Can you use aloe vera before radiation?

Recently, one study found that applying aloe vera prior to radiation treatments reduced the degree of skin irritation. But as noted above, it's important to talk with your radiation oncologist about anything you apply to your skin before and during treatments. Avoid using band-aids or tape on your skin.

Can radiation cause fibrosis?

Since radiation pneumonitis is common, and can progress to fibrosis if not treated, it's important for people to carefully monitor any symptoms that could suggest pneumonitis is present. These may include a worsening cough, chest pain that often worsens with a deep breath, increasing shortness of breath, or a fever.

How to prevent radiation side effects?

So here are some ways to prevents radiation therapy side effects : 1. Fractionation – Fractionation is a method to reduce the side effect of radiotherapy. It helps to kill cancer cells by giving a huge amount of total dose. Commonly, doses given one at a time, but fractionation will give a little by little doses but frequently.

How long does radiation therapy last?

Rest – Radiation therapy may makes you feel more tired than how you usually be. It will probably last for few weeks after the treatment ends. Try to have a good quality of sleep at night. Sleeping for about 6-8 hours at night will help your body to regenerate and restore energy for the next day.

What is the difference between radiation therapy and external therapy?

Type of Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy which is known as radiotherapy is a therapy which commonly used to kill cancer cells. Using high energy of radiation, it could shrink and kill cancer cells. External therapy – External therapy is a therapy which transferred radiation through a machine.

How is radiotherapy delivered?

Radiotherapy can be delivered in 2 ways : External therapy – External therapy is a therapy which transferred radiation through a machine. Internal therapy – Internal therapy also called as brachytherapy is a radiation implants which is put inside our body and placed it near the tumors or cancer cells. Internal radiation allows higher dose of ...

How often do people give hyperfractionation?

Hyperfractionation threats people by giving radiation once every 6 to 8 hours, so its more often than fractionation. 3. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) – Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a technology could reduce the side effect of radiation by controlled the intensity of the radiation. 4.

What to wear for radiation?

Wear loose, soft clothes : This might seems odd, but this really helps to treat the side effects of radiation therapy, especially, for the skin. Wearing tight, rough-textured clothes will harm your sensitive skin.

Is drug therapy harmful?

5. Drug Therapy – Drugs are harmful for human, it can caused from addiction to death. But on the other side drugs also could be a life saver. Nowadays drugs has been in high demand in US, due to its benefits as an antidote for radiation exposures.

How oncologists minimize radiation side effects

Cancer radiation treatment comes with side effects, but new techniques and technology are helping patients maintain a normal life during treatment.

Advanced radiation treatment plans

The radiation oncology team performs careful clinical planning to minimize the side effects as much as possible.

How radiation fights cancer cells

Radiation fights cancer by damaging the double-stranded DNA in the tumor cell, which is the “mastermind” of the cell that tells it when to grow and divide.

Radiation side effects: What to expect

The side effects of radiation treatment typically do not appear right away.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.

How long does radiation side effects last?

Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...

How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?

Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.

How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.

What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?

The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.

What are the side effects of brachytherapy?

If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.

How to take care of your mouth during radiation?

Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.

How to reduce radiation side effects?

Two delivery methods that were originally used to reduce radiation side effects include dose fractionation, or splitting the total dose of radiation therapy into multiple doses and physical shield ing with lead blocks to reduce the area of exposure.

How to prevent side effects of radiation?

These mainly include altering the manner in which radiation is delivered and administering drugs that protect normal cells from radiation damage.

What is IMRT radiation?

IMRT delivers radiation from every point on a helix, or spiral, in contrast to only a few points. IMRT is similar to CT scanning. In CT, a beam rotates around the patient, creating a sequence of cross-sectional images. IMRT also uses a rotating beam, except the beam delivers radiation.

How often is fractionation used for radiation?

Fractionation allows the delivery of a larger total dose of radiation to the cancer than would have been possible as a single dose. Currently, most radiation treatments are administered daily, 5 days a week. The 5 days per week is strictly for the convenience of maintaining a normal work week. The 24-hour interval and the two-day interval between ...

How does the rotating component of radiation therapy work?

The rotating component of this technique allows for more specific targeting of the cancer, sparing normal tissues from damage due to radiation exposure.

What is the FDA approved drug for xerostomia?

Ethyol®: Ethyol® is a radiation protector and the only drug that has been approved by the FDA for xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck. Xerostomia is a chronic dry-mouth condition, which is caused by damage from radiation therapy to the salivary glands.

Does Interleukin 11 help with chemo?

Clinical trials are currently underway to determine if Interleukin 11 will prevent side effects , especially to the mucus membranes and gastrointestinal tract, associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Prostaglandins: Prostoglandins are a group of compounds that affect the healing of inflammation and wounds.