Answer to Question #1065 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I would like to know what the side effects of radiation cancer treatment are.

A

There are three major techniques used to treat cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Each of these treatment modalities has its individual risks and benefits. It has been estimated that approximately 50% of all patients diagnosed with cancer will undergo some form of radiation therapy in the course of their treatment. Radiation can be used to cure the cancer or it can be used to relieve symptoms without a directly curative intent. Tumors may or may not be sensitive to the effects of radiation and radiation therapy may be the treatment of choice for some tumors while it has a limited effect on other tumors. The side effects of treatment vary depending on which portion of the body is within the treatment field. As an example, if a patient is being treated for a tumor in the abdomen, there may be side effects, such as diarrhea or bowel problems, due to radiation effects on the mucosal lining of the gut. Modern medications have limited these side effects of cancer treatment, and nutritional counseling and support can make this side effect tolerable. Most patients experience some form of fatigue during and after treatment. This fatigue may persist for some time after treatment stops. It is important for the patient to discuss and understand the expected side effects of treatment with the radiation oncologist. If the radiation oncologist is unwilling to provide satisfactory information, you can switch physicians, ask for a second opinion, or seek the information yourself from cancer information sites on the Internet. The Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-Cancer) offers free information on how to access Internet sites. Alternately, some of the larger cancer centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering or MD Anderson offer not only information on their center, but links to other information sites. Radiation treatment also involves the potential for long-term effects that may occur years after treatment. These effects are due, in general, to radiation damage to tissues within or adjacent to the radiation treatment field. The potential long-term effects should be discussed with the radiation oncologist. Some of the long-term effects can be serious and when, or if, these effects will occur cannot generally be predicted for individual patients. On the other hand, the patient may have been cured of his/her primary disease. Be an informed patient by taking advantage of the current information available to all patients on the Internet and, by all means, talk to your physician. Jean St. Germain, CHP