Changes in Bowel Habits Radiation to the Head Changes in Taste and Smell Radiation to the Head and Neck Changes in Urination Radiation to the Pelvis Esophagitis Radiation to the Prostate Fatigue Radiation to the Skin Hair Loss Gastric Distress, Nausea & Vomiting Nutrition and Common Sense Recommended Treatment for Decreased Appetite Radiation to the Abdomen Skin Care Guidelines Radiation to the Bone Sore Mouth/Dry Mouth Radiation to the Breast Completion of Treatment Radiation to the Chest and Back Glossary

You will be receiving external beam radiation treatments, which are high energy X-rays, delivered from a machine outside of the body. This causes damage to cancer cells, so they will not grow. A multi-disciplinary team consisting of a nurse, physicist, radiation oncologist, and radiation therapist, are responsible for implementing the treatment plan developed by your radiation oncologist.

The most commonly experienced short-term side effects of radiation to the skin are:

	Temporary hair loss in the area being treated with radiation
	Skin Changes: dryness and redness
	Fatigue

Any of these symptoms may present during the course of radiation therapy, and can persist for several weeks following completion of treatment. Severity of side effects varies from patient to patient. Follow the skin care guidelines. All symptoms of discomfort and concern are to be reported to the nurse or radiation oncologist.

During radiation therapy, we encourage you to:

	Wear loose fitting soft, cotton clothing next to the skin in the area that is being treated.
	Use only those skin products recommended. Avoid shaving, using talcum powder, deodorants, or perfumes in the area that is being treated with radiation.
	Match your activity level to you energy level. Don't over do it!