Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation—X-rays, gamma rays, or subatomic particles such as neutrons—to destroy cancer cells. Learn how it works, the types of treatment, and early and late side effects you may experience.
In this Episode:
- 01:52 – Road Trip – Louisiana, and Crunch Cake Recipe
- 03:30 – Anna Quindlin – The Dividing Line
- 06:52 – Radiation Therapy Explained
- 12:16 – Radiation Side Effects
- 17:35 – Late Effects of Radiation Therapy
- 20:54 – Discussion – Not Being Able to Swallow
- 26:06 – The Mole Agent and The Man on the Inside
- 30:48 – Outro
Radiation Therapy Facts
- Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation—X-rays, gamma rays, or subatomic particles such as neutrons—to destroy cancer cells. Approximately 50% of all individuals diagnosed with cancer receive radiation therapy and is second only surgery.
- Cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than healthy cells because they are endlessly multiplying making them less able to recover from radiation damage than normal cells (normal cells don’t reproduce as fast as cancer cells)
- Radiation destroys cancer cells from genetic damage making them unable to reproduce (remember cancer starts because of errors in cell reproduction so there is some poetic justice here). The second way radiation destroys cancer cells because the radiation starts the process of apoptosis (which is programmed cell death).
- Radiation is administered in repeated small doses, called fractions. This is done to reduce complications and, when given at equal doses, allows for a more effective cure.
Are there Side Effects with Radiation?
Yes, radiation therapy for cancer can cause various side effects, which are often categorized as short-term (acute) or long-term (late). These effects can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, the radiation dose, and the individual’s sensitivity to the treatment. Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, nausea, and potential changes in the treated area of the body. See the table below for some of the most common impacts.
Treatment areas and possible side effects
| Part of the body being treated | Possible side effects |
|---|---|
| Brain | Fatigue Hair loss Memory or concentration problems Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Headache Blurry vision |
| Breast | Fatigue Hair loss Skin changes Swelling (edema) Tenderness |
| Chest | Fatigue Hair loss Skin changes Throat problems, such as trouble swallowing Cough Shortness of breath |
| Head and Neck | Fatigue Hair loss Mouth problems Skin changes Taste changes Throat problems, such as trouble swallowing Less active thyroid gland |
| Pelvis | Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Nausea and vomiting Sexual & Fertility problems Skin changes Urinary and bladder problems |
| Rectum | Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Sexual & Fertility problems Skin changes Urinary and bladder problems |
| Stomach and Abdomen | Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Urinary and bladder problems |
Listen to the podcast for more detail about the late effects, which can be experienced many years after the cancer treatment.
Related Content:
- S6E2: Understanding Cancer Treatment Options: Surgery
- S5E52: Cancer Gone Wild – Learn All About Metastasis
- S5E45: Why Does Cancer Exist? Empower Yourself With Understanding
- S5E46: “Why Do I Have Cancer?” Kismet, Chastisement or Coincidence?
- S5E47: MythBusters – Cancer Edition; Clarifying Common Cancer Myths & Misconceptions
- S5E48: How to Read a CT Scan Report – Learn the Sections Relevant to Your Diagnosis
- S5E49: Are there Miracle Cures for Cancer? With Dr. Jeanna Ford
- S5E50: What is Meant by Cancer Staging? Learn the Language of a Cancer Diagnosis
References:
- Cancer – Treatment, Chemotherapy, Radiation | Britannica
- Radiotherapy side effects | Cancer in general | Cancer Research UK
- Radiation Therapy Side Effects | National Cancer Institute
- 21 Interesting and Fun Facts About Louisiana [Explained]
- 160 Cool Facts About Louisiana
- 10 Quirky Facts About Louisiana That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate
- ‘The Mole Agent’ Review: Undercover, Where You Least Expect Him – The New York Times
- Film Summary | American Documentary
- The Mole Agent: A Touching Documentary
- A Man On The Inside Netflix: Ted Danson Stars in New Comedy
- Anna Quindlen. 2000. A Short Guide to a Happy Life”, Available here: https://a.co/d/83et18B
Resources:
- Lasers to Treat Cancer – NCI
- Preparing for Radiation Therapy – What you Need to know to Speed up Recovery and Reduce Side Effects: Bing Videos
- Side Effects of Radiation Therapy | Radiation Effects on Body | American Cancer Society
- Radiation Therapy Side Effects – NCI
- Side Effects of Radiation Therapy: List and Management Guide
- What About Side Effects? – Stanford Med Education
Movie Review: A Man On The Inside
Recipe of the Week:
This week we travel to Louisiana to experience a southern favorite, the Crunch Cake. It’s buttery, vanilla, with toasted coconut and glaze. If you want to learn how to make it, head over to Southern Living.
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https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/
Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!
Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon
Mourning Jewelry
We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry. When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More
