Common Side Effects of Radiation

A form of energy released in particles or waves, radiation therapy is often administered by a machine that aims radiation at your cancer. Radiation may also be administered internally, through radioactive substances placed inside your body. Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects.

While skin changes (such as itching, peeling, and blistering) and fatigue are common among all patients receiving radiation, other side effects tend to vary depending on the bodily area being treated. These side effects may include:1

• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sexual changes (such as impotence, vaginal dryness, and pain during sex)
• Swelling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Urinary and bladder changes (such as incontinence and pain during urination)

Although most side effects tend to subside within two months of completing radiation therapy, certain side effects (such as infertility) may not set in until six or more months after you’ve finished your radiation treatment.

Natural Treatment for Radiation Side Effects

To date, the use of alternative medicine in the treatment of radiation side effects has not been extensively studied. Furthermore, since certain natural therapies may interfere with the effects of radiation treatment, it’s extremely important to talk with your healthcare provider before using any type of alternative medicine while undergoing radiation (and to let him or her know about any natural remedies or alternative therapies you’re already using). 

Here’s a look at several types of natural treatments studied for their effects on people receiving radiation therapy:

Acupuncture

In a pilot study published in 2009, researchers assigned 19 cancer patients to four weeks of twice-weekly acupuncture sessions and found that the needle-based Chinese therapy helped relieve radiation-induced xerostomia (severe dry mouth that occurs when the salivary glands can’t produce enough saliva).2

Other preliminary research suggests that acupuncture may also reduce radiation side effects like insomnia and fatigue.3

Herbs

Research on animals indicates that curcumin (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in the curry spice turmeric) may help protect against radiation-induced damage to the skin. Other research in animals shows that the herb ginkgo biloba may help shield against organ damage resulting from radiation therapy. And although aloe vera is often touted as a natural remedy for radiation-induced skin changes, a 2005 research review concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera is effective in preventing or minimizing radiation-induced skin reactions.4

Probiotics

In a 2007 study of 490 patients receiving radiation for various types of cancer, researchers found that those taking probiotics throughout their treatment were less likely to experience radiation-induced diarrhea.5

Avoiding Alternative Medicine During Radiation Therapy

Although some types of alternative medicine show promise in the treatment of radiation side effects, other therapies (such as antioxidant supplements and massage therapy) have been found to produce harmful effects when used in combination with radiation.

Treatment for Radiation Side Effects

To guard your health and protect against side effects during radiation therapy, the American Cancer Society recommends the following strategies:

• Get plenty of rest and practice good sleep hygiene.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
• Take care of the skin in the treatment area.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially over the treatment area.
• Protect the treated area from the sun, heat, and cold.

You should also talk to your healthcare provider about how to deal with specific side effects resulting from radiation therapy. If you’re considering the use of alternative medicine, talk with your healthcare provider first. Self-treating or avoiding or delaying conventional care can have serious consequences.