Damage Due to Radiation Treatment
Radiation treatment uses high-energy rays to fight cancer cells. Specifically, the radiation damages the cancer cells' DNA, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Healthy cells nearby, however, can also be damaged, and the extent of this damage depends on the radiation dosage and the treatment area.
Hair Loss
Hair loss occurs when radiation damages hair roots. However, only roots in the treatment area will be affected, and hair will generally regrow after the treatment ends. Curlers, curling irons and hair dryers can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss early, so patients should stop using them. They should also avoid hair products such as hair spray, gel and mousse.
Mouth Problems
Mouth problems occur when cancer damages the mouth lining or salivary glands. Consequently, these problems are most common in patients receiving radiation treatment to their head or neck. Some problems go away after the treatment ends, such as mouth sores. Some last months or years, such as changes in taste. Others can be permanent, such as dry mouth.
Patients should check their mouths daily. That way, they can detect problems before they become serious. They should also sip water throughout the day, keep their mouths clean and eat soft foods.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when radiation damages healthy cells in the bowels. Consequently, diarrhea is most common in patients undergoing treatment for stomach, intestinal or colon cancers. Patients with diarrhea should keep themselves clean, drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals of easily-digested foods. The National Cancer Institute suggests the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
Patients with diarrhea should also inform their doctor. Their doctor may recommend medications such as Imodium.
Urinary Problems
Urinary problems occur when radiation therapy damages the urinary tract. Patients undergoing treatment for bladder or prostate cancer are at the greatest risk. They may experience painful urination, bloody urination, frequent urination, bladder cramps, incontinence or cystitis, an inflammation of the urinary tract. However, most problems go away within two months after treatment ends.
Patients with urinary problems should drink plenty of water. They should also avoid tea, coffee and tobacco.
Sexual Difficulties
Sexual problems occur when radiation damages the sexual organs. The most serious of these problems is infertility or impotency, so patients who wish to have children should inform their doctors. Doctors can collect healthy eggs and sperm before treatment starts.
Radiation damage can also cause hormonal changes, lack of libido and other sexual problems. Before they occur, patients should sit down with their partners and discuss intimacy.
Skin Problems
Skin problems can occur in any treatment area. Common problems include redness, swollenness, dryness, blistering and peeling. One severe type of skin peeling is called moist reaction, where the skin peels off faster than it can regrow.
Patients undergoing radiation treatment should wear soft fabrics, keep their rooms cool and humid and only use skin products recommended by their doctors. They should also protect their skin from the sun.
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