Radiation therapy has side effects because it not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells.
Side effects of radiation for colorectal cancer.
Learn more about possible side effects.
Because colorectal cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues side effects are common.
Side effects can happen with any type of treatment for colorectal cancer but everyone s experience is different.
During radiation therapy the healthcare team protects healthy cells in the treatment area as much as possible.
Other people have only a few side effects.
Side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment.
Other side effects depend on the part of the body that is being treated.
Side effects may not be the same for each person and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
Possible side effects of radiation therapy.
Some people have many side effects.
Many people who get radiation therapy experience fatigue.