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Side Effects of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy Treatments

Radiation therapy kills cancer cells with beams of radiation. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and it may be used with radiation therapy. Each of these treatment methods may cause side effects.

  1. Common Radiation Side Effects

    • According to the American Cancer Society, patients may experience skin side effects from radiation therapy such as dryness, itching or darker pigmentation. This type of cancer therapy may also cause long lasting fatigue.

    Specific Radiation Side Effects

    • Brain cancer patients who receive radiation therapy may experience memory loss, intolerance to cold weather or a reduced sexual desire (See Reference 1). Lung cancer patients may notice shortness of breath, coughing and swallowing difficulties from this kind of cancer therapy.

    Low White Blood Cells

    • Chemotherapy may suppress white blood cell growth and cause increased risks of infection, according to the American Cancer Society. Patients should contact a doctor if signs of an infection develop including a fever, sore throat or chills.

    Low Red Blood Cells

    • Anemia may develop in chemotherapy patients due to reduced red blood cells levels and may lead to extreme tiredness, dizziness or headaches.

    Low Platelets

    • Cancer patients may develop low blood platelet levels from chemotherapy that may result in easier bruising or bleeding.

    Other Chemo Side Effects

    • Chemotherapy patients may also experience vomiting, nausea and hair loss. Constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite may also occur with this type of cancer treatment.

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