Pacific Cancer Institute

Each patient's body responds to radiation therapy in its own way. That's why your doctor must plan, and sometimes adjust, your treatment. In addition, your doctor or nurse will give you suggestions for caring for yourself at home that are specific for your treatment and the possible side effects.

Nearly all cancer patients receiving radiation therapy need to take special care of themselves to protect their health and to help the treatment succeed. Some guidelines to remember are:

Before starting treatment, be sure your doctor knows about any medicines you are taking and if you have any allergies. Do not start taking any medicine (whether prescription or over-the-counter) during your radiation therapy without first telling your doctor or nurse.
Fatigue is common during radiation therapy. Your body will use a lot of extra energy over the course of your treatment, and you may feel very tired. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep as often as you feel the need. It's common for fatigue to last for 4 to 6 weeks after your treatment has been completed.
Good nutrition is very important. Try to eat a balanced diet that will prevent weight loss. For patients who have problems with eating or diet planning, the section, Coping with Side Effects, offers practical tips.
Check with your doctor before taking vitamin supplements or herbal preparations during treatment.
Avoid wearing tight clothes such as girdles or close-fitting collars over the treatment area.

Be sure to be extra kind to your skin in the treatment area:

Ask your doctor or nurse if you may use soaps, lotions, deodorants, sun blocks, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder, or other substances in the treated area.
Wear loose, soft cotton clothing over the treated area.
Do not wear starched or stiff clothing over the treated area.
Do not scratch, rub, or scrub treated skin
Do not use adhesive tape on treated skin. If bandaging is necessary, use paper tape and apply it outside of the treatment area. Your nurse can help you place dressings so that you can avoid irritating the treated area.
Do not apply heat or cold (heating pad, ice pack, etc.) to the treated area. Use only lukewarm water for bathing the area.
Use an electric shaver if you must shave the treated area but only after checking with your doctor or nurse. Do not use a pre-shave lotion or hair removal products on the treated area.
Protect the treatment area from the sun. Do not apply sunscreens just before a radiation treatment. If possible, cover treated skin (with light clothing) before going outside. Ask your doctor if you should use a sunscreen or a sunblocking product. If so, select one with a protection factor of at least 15 and reapply it often. Ask your doctor or nurse how long after your treatments are completed you should continue to protect the treated skin from sunlight.

If you have questions, ask your doctor or nurse. They are the only ones who can properly advise you about your treatment, its side effects, home care, and any other medical concerns you may have


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	Radiation Therapy and You Information about what to expect during radiation therapy, including the general effects of treatment and how to deal with specific side effects. View Site

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	Radiation Therapy FAQ Frequently asked questions regarding radiation therapy. Read More A Typical Visit A walkthrough of what to expect during a typical treatment visit. Read More Taking Care of Yourself Guidelines to protect your health and help the treatment to succed. Read More
	Learn how to cope with common side effects from cancer treatments. Skin Care Fatigue Nausea Diarrhea Constipation