Scar tissue from radiation therapy The skin usually becomes red and inflamed and often darker in colour. This skin discolouration can last for months. Looking after the skin, minimising the inflammation and hydrating with an oil such as Bio-Oil and protecting the skin barrier can improve recovery.
Useful options include commonly known brands like Aveeno moisturizing cream, Cetaphil cream, and Eucerin original. Remedy Basics Moisturizing Body Lotion is a light unscented moisturizer that easily absorbs into the skin and is commonly used.
Tips for eating well
Avoid alcohol – it can make a sore mouth or sensitive digestion worse. Avoid spicy foods if your mouth or throat are sore. Ask your radiotherapy team about potential problems and how to try to prevent them.
Some of the best essential oils for radiotherapy include lavender oil, chamomile oil, geranium oil, and rosehip oil. These oils can help to reduce inflammation and nourish the skin, making them ideal for use in moisturisers for radiotherapy.
In conclusion, using an emulsion of olive oil in addition to general skin care recommendations is associated with a significant reduction in the intensity of acute radiation-induced skin reaction, deferment of the skin toxicity, and enhancement of a better QoL for breast cancer patients treated with hypofractionation ...
Radiation resistance is a serious issue in radiotherapy. Increasing evidence indicates that the human gut microbiome plays a role in the development of radiation resistance. Vitamin D is an important supplement for cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.
Embryonal tumors, as well as tumors composed of rapidly growing cells, are sensitive to radiotherapy. Lymphoid cells are particularly susceptible to radiation. On the contrary, neurosarcoma, glioma and melanoma are radioresistant.
During radiation treatment, the mean weight loss was 4.33 kg, and 53.6% (1303) patients had high weight loss (HWL; ΔW≥5%). The proportion of HWL was higher in patients with advanced T stage, N stage, high BMI level and who received chemotherapy.
Skin changes usually occur one to two weeks after your treatment begins and may last one to two weeks after your last treatment. You may shower or bathe throughout your radiation therapy. Your nurse will recommend a mild soap for you to use. It is important to keep skin folds clean and dry.
Keep Your Treatment Area Clean
Use a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly. Your soap should be unscented. We recommend brands like Cetaphil, Neutrogena, and Dove.
Contrary to popular belief, the results of this research suggest that topical creams and ointments can be safely applied before radiotherapy. However, patients should avoid applying a very thick layer just before radiotherapy.”
What can I do to help radiation burns? Some patients find relief by using Aquaphor, Cetaphil, aloe vera gel, body butter and other topical products. While it's typically a good idea to keep the affected area moisturized, make sure you talk to your doctor before applying any topical products to your radiation burns.
Rhodiola and vitamin A should be used with caution during radiation therapy.
The researchers explain that the blueberry extract does not only make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, but it also reduces the abnormal cell growth that fuels cancer development.
Loss of appetite
Feeling sick and tired during radiotherapy can make you lose your appetite, which could lead to weight loss. But it's important to try to eat healthily and maintain your weight during treatment. Tell your care team if you do not feel you're eating enough.
Since the main therapeutic effect of RT is through the production of reactive oxygen species, antioxidants may interfere with RT efficacy [12]. Taking (dietary) antioxidants, including vitamin C, concurrently with chemotherapy or RT, decreased the treatment's effect; therefore, patients might be advised against it [6].
The tiredness often reaches its maximum 1 to 2 weeks after the end of treatment. A small number of people are asleep for a lot of the day after a long course of radiotherapy to the brain. This called somnolence syndrome.
Avoid vitamin C if you're on radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Vitamin C can interfere with these treatments and decrease their effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're taking acetaminophen (paracetamol®).
Clean the skin daily with warm water and a mild soap recommended by your nurse. Avoid using any lotions, perfumes, deodorants or powders in the treatment area unless approved by your doctor or nurse. Avoid products containing alcohol, which may dry your skin.
Breast cancer: Women with breast cancer have an overall 30% chance of recurrence. Many cases happen within five years of completing the initial treatment. Cervical cancer: Of those with invasive cervical cancer, an estimated 35% will have a recurrence.