Breast Cancer Center

Radiation therapy is painless. However, some women experience side effects, which may include:

• Redness, discomfort and dryness of the skin in the treated area. Your doctor will recommend a specific treatment, if this happens. The redness may last up to a year away.
• Fatigue, usually two to three weeks after starting treatment. Fatigue increases during the duration of treatment and disappears near one months after treatment ends. Fatigue must be disabled. Most women go through to take a nap or going to bed early.
• Blood counts. Your blood will be monitored regularly, especially if you are also receiving chemotherapy.

Sometimes women also experience pain in the mouth or throat, dry mouth or, if these areas are irradiated.