About This Resource
Author: Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program
Revised: August 2024
PEM#: PEMWRHNCC0023
Cancer and its treatment can lead to depression or anxiety.
Depression is when you feel sad for a long time, making it harder to live your life. Anxiety is when you often feel worry, fear or are nervous.
Cancer and its treatment can change how you look and the way you feel about your body. You may be worried about how others see you. This can affect your relationships.
Get a copy of a Symptom Management Guide in the Wesley graham Resource Centre.
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells and can stop them from going to other parts of your body. You may have side effects (changes) where your body is being treated.
If you have any side effects, or need to ask a question, talk to one of your health care team members:
Radiation to the chest can cause changes to your lungs and throat.
You might have: A new cough , a cough that you have may get worse , shortness of breath (feeling of not having enough air to breathe) , and/or more mucous that is a darker or lighter .
Radiation may make your throat sore. If you get radiation to your lower chest it may cause heartburn or indigestion (feeling of pain or discomfort in the stomach).
Talk to your team if you cannot eat or drink, have lost weigh, and/or have a hard time swallowing.
Fatigue (being tired) is the most common side effect people with cancer feel. This is normal. Fatigue can become worse during radiation therapy. You may feel weak or have low interest in daily tasks.
Radiation passes through your skin. Your skin may feel warm, itchy, and/or look red (like a sunburn).
During your radiation therapy don’t use any creams or powders unless told by your radiation team and wash the area gently with mild soap.
Use this resource for your information only. It does not replace medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cancerwaterloowellington.ca
Symptom Management
During Treatment
This handout was created to help guide you on how to care for your skin during radiation treatment.
Symptom Management
Overview of the most common side effects you might experience while getting radiation to the abdomen.