The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is being treated. Fatigue can also result from the stress of dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Fatigue is usually temporary and tends to go away after treatment is completed. However, if patients do feel fatigued, they should get plenty of rest and may need to scale back on activities until their energy level returns to normal. While many patients can still work and participate in normal activities during radiation therapy, some patients find it necessary to limit their work or physical activities until treatment has been completed.
Hair loss can occur at the site of the body where radiation is received.
However, patients will not lose the hair on their heads if they have radiation to another part of their body, such as the breast. Patients who do undergo radiation therapy to the head may lose their hair. This loss of hair is often temporary, but the likelihood that the hair will grow back depends on several factors, including the radiation dose and duration of treatment. A variety of options are available for patients who experience hair loss during cancer treatment such as wigs, hats, turbans, and scarves. Click here for more information on coping with hair loss during cancer treatment.