Side Effects

Before treatment begins, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how best to manage them. This list doesn't represent all of the possible side effects.

This is a visual side effects chart showing short and long term side effects. Larger bubbles show higher likelihood of occurrence. To see a larger version, click on the chart.
 

For patients who prefer to look at the side effects in text instead of graphics, please see below.

Short term side effects

Side effects are usually temporary and usually go away shortly after treatment ends. Below is a list of possible side effects you might notice during your treatment.

More likely

• Fatigue
• Loose stools/diarrhea
• Skin irritation
• Anorectal pain
• Urinary changes
• Cramping
• Reduced blood counts

Less likely

• Cramping
• Reduced blood counts
• Nausea/bloating sensation
• Itching

Long term side effects

After the short term side effects of radiation therapy resolve, others may become noticeable months or years later.

More likely

• Frequent bowel movements
• Urgency of bowel movements/loose stools
• Skin discoloration (in treated area)
• Urinary changes

Less likely

• Sexual dysfunction/changes
• Blood in stool
• Blood in urine
• Leg swelling
• Partial or complete loss of sphincter function
• Hip pain/fracture
• Secondary cancer caused by radiation (rare)