Radiation damage: late effects of cancer
Radiation is a common cancer treatment, but unfortunately, late effects, known as radiation damage, can also occur. This is because radiotherapy also damages healthy tissue. This damage can have an impact on the lives of people with cancer.
Symptoms late radiation damage
When you have received radiotherapy, you may face late effects, also known as radiation damage. This can lead to complaints and symptoms ranging from skin problems and pain to difficulty swallowing and fatigue. These symptoms can affect your quality of life in the long term.
The National Cancer Agenda shows that these late effects of cancer are a much bigger problem than people think. For example, 54% of people with cancer report reduced physical fitness , 50% experience cognitive symptoms and also 50% mental symptoms, such as anxiety. This plays out in both people who got cancer at a young and old age.
Tips for understanding your symptoms and symptoms
- fatigue
- stress
- headache
- Complete the burden meter via cancer.co.uk. The burden meter is a questionnaire you fill in and then discuss with your doctor or nurse.
- Keep track of your symptoms in a diary or app, for example using an app like the Healthy Chronos app, and find out how your symptoms are related to your mood and activities.
- Read more about others' experiences with the (late) effects of cancer via the Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient Organisations' website donate your experience
Free 2-minute test
Want to know what physical and cognitive challenges you yourself face in daily life due to cancer? Then take our free 2-minute test.
Sources: cancer.co.uk, national cancer diary
