4. Physical Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy works by using ionizing radiation in order to kill cancer cells. Therefore, some cancer survivors who had radiation therapy to the neck and head might develop some problems associated with that area, such as:
- Hearing loss
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
- Vision difficulties such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Thyroid or brain cancer
- Dental problems, such as cavities and dry mouth
- Osteoporosis (low bone density)
If you had radiation therapy to the chest, it is possible to develop:
- Lung damage (inflammation, scarring, trouble breathing)
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Heart damage (coronary heart disease, inflammation, scarring )
- Thyroid cancer
- Breast cancer
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Women under 30-years-old who had radiation to the breast area might develop breast cancer up to 15 to 20 years after the end of treatment.
Radiation therapy might also cause fertility problems for both women and men.
Learn more about the risks associated with radiation treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
