Many of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation are similar. Both treatments work to kill cancer cells. Both also damage healthy cells in the process.
Radiation can be a more targeted therapy. In some cases, there are fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
The type and severity of side effects from either treatment will also depend on the:
* type of cancer
* type and doses of chemotherapy or radiation used
* duration of treatment
* area of the body undergoing treatment
For many people, both radiation and chemotherapy may be part of the treatment plan.