Side effects, wellbeing and recovery during radiotherapy

Supporting you throughout your treatment

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer. While treatment is carefully planned to target cancer cells and minimise effects on healthy tissues, some patients may experience side effects during or after treatment.

Everyone responds differently to radiotherapy. Some people experience very few side effects, whilst others may need additional support throughout their treatment journey.

Most side effects gradually improve after treatment has finished, although some may continue to develop for a short period before they begin to settle.

Your radiotherapy team will support you throughout treatment and provide advice tailored to your individual needs.

Staying well during radiotherapy

Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing during treatment can help you cope better with treatment, maintain your independence and support your recovery.

The OPTIMISE Prehabilitation Programme

The Trust’s OPTIMISE Prehabilitation Programme provides advice and support to help people prepare for, cope with and recover from cancer treatment.

The programme focuses on areas known to improve health and wellbeing, including:

• Physical activity and exercise
• Healthy eating and nutrition
• Emotional wellbeing
• Stopping smoking
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Managing long term health conditions
• Maintaining independence and daily activities

Eat well and stay hydrated

Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps your body repair itself during and after treatment.

We recommend:

• Eating regular meals where possible
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Including protein-rich foods in your diet
• Seeking advice early if your appetite changes

Some treatments may require specific dietary advice. Your radiographers, review team or dietitian will discuss this with you if needed.

Keep active

Research has shown that physical activity can help reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve wellbeing.

Activities might include:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Gardening
• Light gym exercise

You do not need to undertake strenuous exercise. Small amounts of regular activity can often make a positive difference.

If you are unsure what is suitable for you, speak to your treatment team or visit the OPTIMISE Prehabilitation Programme.

Emotional wellbeing

It is normal to experience a range of emotions during cancer treatment.

You may feel:

• Anxious
• Overwhelmed
• Frustrated
• Uncertain about the future
• Low in mood at times

If you are struggling emotionally, please speak to:

• Your radiographers
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Consultant
• Review radiographer
• GP

Additional support is available through cancer support services across the Trust, including Maggie’s Middlesbrough.

Smoking and alcohol

Stopping smoking before and during radiotherapy can improve treatment outcomes and reduce treatment-related side effects.

Reducing alcohol intake may also help minimise irritation to some treatment areas and support overall wellbeing.

If you would like support, please speak to your treatment team.

Common side effects of radiotherapy

Fatigue (tiredness)

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy.

You may notice:

• Reduced energy levels
• A need for additional rest
• Tiredness that builds gradually during treatment
• Tiredness that continues for several weeks after treatment

Things that may help include:

• Regular gentle exercise
• Good hydration
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Planning activities around your energy levels
• Accepting help from family and friends when needed

Please speak to your radiotherapy team if fatigue is affecting your daily life.

Skin reactions

Some patients develop reactions in the area being treated. You may notice:

• Redness
• Darkening of the skin
• Dryness
• Itching
• Tenderness
• Peeling or blistering

Skin reactions usually develop gradually and often peak one to two weeks after treatment finishes before beginning to improve.

Looking after your skin

We recommend:

• Washing gently with warm water
• Continuing to use a moisturiser unless advised otherwise
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Protecting the treated area from sunlight

Please tell your radiographers if your skin becomes sore, broken or uncomfortable.

For more detailed advice, please see our skin care during radiotherapy information leaflet.

Mouth and throat problems

Patients receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck region may experience:

• A sore mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Changes in taste
• Thick saliva
• Increased mucus production

Good mouth care is important throughout treatment.

Helpful measures include:

• Regular mouth care
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Using recommended mouthwashes
• Choosing softer foods if swallowing becomes uncomfortable
• Avoiding foods that irritate the mouth

Further information can be found in our mouth and throat care during radiotherapy leaflet.

Bowel changes

Radiotherapy to the pelvis, lower abdomen or bowel can sometimes irritate the digestive system.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramping
• Increased wind
• Urgency
• Changes to your normal bowel habit

Many of these symptoms can be managed successfully with dietary advice and medication. Please speak to your treatment team if you experience bowel changes.

Bladder changes

Patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy may notice:

• Passing urine more frequently
• Increased urgency
• Discomfort when passing urine

These effects are often temporary and improve after treatment has finished.

Always let your treatment team know if these symptoms develop.

Recovery after treatment

Many side effects begin to improve within the weeks following treatment, although everyone’s recovery is different. As you recover:

• Continue to stay active where possible
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Attend any follow-up appointments
• Contact your care team if you are concerned about ongoing side effects

Recovery may continue for several months after treatment has finished.

When should I contact the radiotherapy team?

Please contact your treatment team if:

• You are struggling to eat or drink
• Side effects become difficult to manage
• Your skin becomes broken or blistered
• You experience severe pain
• You develop new symptoms that concern you
• You are unsure whether a symptom is related to treatment

We would always rather hear from you early and provide advice than have you manage alone.

Further Information