Radiation therapy is used in treating cancer. Its main goal is to kill the cancer cells and to stop cancer cells from multiplying without damaging the normal cells in the body.

The type of therapy usually comes from external sources like special machines or from internal sources like radioactive substances which are placed in the body.

Radiation therapy often works with other methods of treating cancer, like chemotherapy or surgery.
Possible side effects of Radiation Therapy

The possible side effects of radiation therapy are:

1. Fatigue - this is most common side effect of radiation therapy though the exact cause is unclear. Fatigue can be result of weakening of immune system, depression or anemia.

Fatigue should be treated accordingly, if depression is the cause to heighten the feeling of fatigue, it is recommended that a support group with family or friends can help the depression. Likewise, if fatigue is caused by anemia, then a blood transfusion can be an option.

2. Skin - redness and dryness of the skin may be observed within three to four weeks of treatment. To address this, you have to ask the radiation therapist which product you can use to treat the dryness and redness.

Don't just use lotions, perfumes or deodorants without the approval of your radiation therapist because it might worsen the condition of your skin.

3. Mouth - dry mouth as well as loss of taste is experienced when the affected area which is treated with radiation therapy is in the neck or head region.

4. Memory loss

5. May affect fertility both in women and men