Today, thanks to modern technology, even this is avoidable. The most common side effect associated with radiation therapy is fatigue, especially if treatments last for five or six weeks. This is due to the actual treatment effects combined with the physical and emotional strain of daily visits to the hospital. As with all cancer treatments, ask your doctor in advance what to expect so you will be better prepared and will know what to do if you experience side effects. Many people continue to work throughout their radiation therapy but may need to readjust their schedule or workload temporarily.
Some people believe that cancer treatment is worse than the disease itself.
This is a particularly dangerous idea, since an untreated cancer is far more dangerous than a cancer that is being treated. If a tumor is left to grow untreated, it will eventually interfere with bodily functions and be very difficult to manage. People with advanced cancer will question how long to continue with treatment. You, your family, and your doctors should make these decisions together, but the treatment is not worse than leaving a cancer untreated. Since most side effects can be alleviated, treatment should always be considered the first line of attack.