Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment. It uses intense energy beams to eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy often uses X-rays. Modern radiation therapy methods are precise, directing beams of radiation directly at the cancer site precisely while protecting healthy tissue from high doses of radiation.
Radiotherapy may be used at different times or for different reasons during cancer treatment:

• Using it alone to treat cancer is called primary treatment.
• Before surgery to shrink the tumor, this is called neoadjuvant therapy.
• After surgery to prevent the growth of any remaining cancer cells, this is called adjuvant therapy.
• It may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to destroy cancer cells.
• To relieve the symptoms caused by cancer in the advanced stage and it is called palliative treatment

Side effects:
Radiation therapy is considered a local treatment, so side effects are determined according to the site where radiation therapy is received:

Skin and hair in the treated part:
• Hair loss at the treatment site.

Skin irritation at the treatment site:
• Avoid applying any cream, ointment, or sunscreen immediately before the sessions.
• Avoid shaving the part exposed to radiation therapy.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
• Wear light cotton clothes and do not wear tight clothes.
• When bathing, use organic soap (or chemical-free children’s soap).
• Do not spray perfume directly on the radiation treatment area

Head and neck:
• Dry mouth.
• Viscosity of saliva.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Sore throat.
• Changes in the way food is tasted.
• Nausea.
• Mouth ulcers.
• Tooth decay: – Please maintain oral hygiene and commit to brushing your teeth.
– If the teeth require any medical intervention, it must be completed before radiation therapy sessions begin.
– Eat foods that are easy to swallow during sessions and avoid spicy and crunchy foods.
– If mouth ulcers occur or difficulty swallowing, please inform the treating physician/call the emergency number.
– Drink water constantly.

the chest:
 Difficulty swallowing
 Cough
 Shortness of breath

Abdomen:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea: – Avoid eating large amounts of dairy.
– Avoid foods with strong odors and spicy foods.
– If diarrhea or vomiting occurs more than 4 times a day, please contact your pediatrician/call the emergency number.

Basin:
• Diarrhea
• Bladder irritation
• Frequent urination
• Sexual dysfunction

General Instructions
• If any side effect occurs, please inform the treating physician/call the emergency number.
• For women: It is necessary to ensure that there is no pregnancy while receiving radiotherapy sessions and two months after the sessions end.
• The patient who receives radiotherapy sessions does not pose any risk to children or pregnant women, and you can communicate with the family normally.