Radiation therapy can effectively treat many types of cancer. Like other cancer treatments, it often causes side effects.

There are some common possible side effects of radiation therapy, but side effects vary person to person. This is because side effects can depend on the type of cancer, its location, the radiation therapy dose, your general health, and other factors. It is important to talk to your health care team about any side effects you experience so they can find ways to help you.

Some patients with cancer take complementary therapies along with standard treatment. These therapies help them cope with the side effects of:

• Surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Other standard cancer treatments

Some people promote using alternative therapies instead of standard medical treatment. For example, they may eat or avoid specific foods instead of having chemotherapy. Generally, alternative therapies are disproved or unstudied methods that have no role in cancer care.

There are many physical and mental benefits of quitting tobacco use after a cancer diagnosis. These may include:

• Longer survival

• More successful treatment

• Fewer and less-serious side effects from all types of cancer treatment

• Faster recovery from treatment

• Lower risk of a second cancers

• Lower risk of infection

• Easier breathing

• More energy

• Better quality of life