Will I feel pain from the radiation treatments?

There is usually no pain associated with radiation treatments. Also, nothing will touch you while you are receiving your treatments. You will likely hear clicking or beeping noises throughout the treatment, this is normal. You will not feel anything during your treatment if you are receiving external beam radiation. If you are receiving internal beam radiation any discomfort you may feel will be explained to you prior to the treatment.

You will need to lie still during the treatments. Work with your radiation therapist to be sure the position is comfortable. If you have pain related to your cancer and lying in a certain position, it may be helpful to take pain medication prior to treatment. Speak to your care team about prescribing or recommending pain medication.

During your course of treatment or after treatments you may have some pain. You may experience some of these side effects depending on the treatment area and how much radiation you are receiving:

• Skin sensitivity (pain or discomfort) in the treatment area. Developing a sunburn effect in the treatment area is common.
• Mouth and throat changes or difficulty swallowing.
• Burning or pain when urinating.
• Vaginal itching and dryness or pain during sex.
• Pain or swelling in your arms or legs from lymphedema.
• Pain or numbness in the hands and feet from chemotherapy or surgery if the nerves were damaged. (This is commonly referred to as neuropathy).
• Painful scars if you had surgery.

Most side effects go away within 1-2 months after completion of the radiation treatments. If you develop any of these side effects, be sure to tell your providers.