Side Effects

The side effects you might experience will depend on the part of the body being treated, the dose of radiation given and whether you also receive chemotherapy. Before treatment begins, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how best to manage them. This list doesn't represent all of the possible side side effects.

This is a visual side effects chart showing short and long term side effects. Larger bubbles show higher likelihood of occurrence. To see a larger version, click on the chart.

For patients who prefer to look at the side effects in text instead of graphics, please see below.

Short term side effects

Side effects are usually temporary and usually go away shortly after treatment ends. Below is a list of possible side effects you might notice during your treatment.

More likely

• Fatigue
• Loose stools/diarrhea
• Skin changes (mainly for anal cancers)
• Frequent urination
• Cramping
• Reduced blood counts
• Nausea/bloating sensation

Less likely

• Itching 
• Skin redness 
• Hair loss in the treatment area

Long term side effects

After the short term side effects of radiation therapy resolve, others may become noticeable months or years later.

More likely

• Frequent bowel movements 
• Urgency of bowel movements
• Loose stool/diarrhea
• Increased urinary urgency
• Blood in stool
• Blood in urine

Less likely

• Swelling of legs (if groin areas are treated)
• Bone pain/joint stiffness
• Second cancer formation (rare)