Side Effects

Radiation side effects can often be delayed and may not begin until one to three weeks into the radiation treatments. These side effects often build up over time during treatment and may even continue to worsen for up to one to two months after completion of radiation.

Treatment side effects can often be controlled with medications or changes in your diet. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of them, so they can assist you with the symptoms you are experiencing.

The chart on the following pages list the most common known side effects. The larger the bubble, the higher the likelihood of occurrence.

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
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Cough/Shortness of breath
• Dehydration
• Weight loss

Less likely

• Increased acid reflux
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hospitalization due to side effects
• Skin burning/irritation
• Decreased blood counts/infection

Long term side effects

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

More likely

• Weight Loss
• Pneumonia caused by radiation (cough/fever)
• Need for temporary or permanent feeding tubes
• Difficult or painful swallowing

Less likely

• Bowel obstruction
• Damage to heart
• Stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Secondary cancer caused by radiation