External radiation therapy does not cause your body to become radioactive. There is no need to avoid being with other people because of your treatment. Even hugging, kissing, or having sexual relations with others poses no risk of radiation exposure.

Side effects of radiation therapy are related to the area that is being treated. Your doctor and nurse will tell you about the side effects you need to watch for and how you should deal with them. You should contact your doctor or nurse if you have any unusual symptoms during your treatment such as coughing, sweating, fever, or unusual pain. Most side effects that occur during radiation therapy, although unpleasant, are not serious and can be controlled with medication or diet. They usually go away within a few weeks after treatment ends. However, some side effects can last longer. Many patients have no side effects at all.

Throughout your treatment, your radiation oncologist will regularly check on the effects of the treatment. You may not be aware of changes in the cancer, but you will be able to notice decreases in pain, bleeding, or other discomforts you may have had. For some cancers, the doctor may order an X-ray exam or CT scan to see whether the tumor is shrinking. Tumors that are fairly large and more dense than the normal tissue around them can often be seen with the standard X-ray.

Each patient responds to radiation therapy in their own way. That's why the doctor must plan - and sometimes adjust - your treatment just for you. In addition, your doctor or nurse will give you advice for caring for yourself at home that is specific for your treatment and the side effects that might result.

Nearly all cancer patients receiving radiation therapy need to take special care of themselves to protect their health and help the treatment succeed. Some guidelines to remember are given below:

• Be sure to get plenty of rest. Sleep as often as you feel the need. Your body will use a lot of extra energy over the course of your treatment, and you may feel tired.

• Good nutrition is a must. Try to eat a balanced diet that will prevent weight loss.

• Avoid wearing tight clothes such as girdles or close fitting collars over the treatment area. It's best to wear older garments that feel comfortable and that you can wash or throw away if the ink marks in the treatment area rub off on them.

• Be extra kind to the skin in the treatment area:

• Wear loose, soft cotton clothing over the treatment area.

• Do not starch your clothes.

• Do not rub or scrub treated skin.

• Do not use any soaps, lotions, deodorants, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder, or other substances in the treated area without talking to your doctor, nurse or therapists.

• Do not use adhesive tape on treated skin. If bandaging is necessary, use paper tape. Try to apply the tape outside the treatment area.

• Do not apply heat or cold (heating pad, ice pack, etc.) to the treatment area. Even hot water can hurt your skin, so use only lukewarm water for bathing the treated area.

• Use an electric shaver if you must shave the area but only after checking with our doctor or nurse. Do not use preshave lotion or hair removing products.

• Protect the area from the sun. If possible, cover treated skin (with light clothing or hat) before going outside. Ask your doctor if you should use a lotion that contains a sunblock. Use a PABA sunscreen (protection factor 15) or a sun blocking product even after your skin has healed following your treatment. Continue to protect your skin from sunlight for at least 1 year after radiation therapy.

• Be sure your doctor and nurse know about any medicines you are taking before starting treatment. If you need to start taking any medicines, even aspirin, let your doctor know before you start.

• Ask your doctor, nurse, or radiation therapist any questions you have. They are the only ones who can properly advise you about your treatment, side effects, at-home care, and any other medical concerns.