The gift that keeps giving.
Many of my clients are surprised to find out that the side-effects of radiation therapy can arise up to
10 years post treatment.
I’m sure you have experienced many of these side-effects:
Fatigue
Skin irritation and burning
Pain
Muscle tightness
Reduced range of movement
However, unlike chemotherapy, the impact of radiation therapy can take months, even years to
appear. Symptoms are most common in the first two years post-treatment, though it can occur up
to 10 years after therapy is completed.
There is a lack of education and awareness around the late side-effects of radiation therapy which
can lead to these unhelpful statements.
“Oh, your JUST having radiation therapy”
“At least you’re not having chemotherapy”
“At least you won’t lose your hair”
While perhaps these statements come from a place of good intention they are misinformed and
built on the belief that radiation is no big deal- which is far from the truth.
One notable late side effect of radiation therapy is Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS)
What is Radiation fibrosis syndrome?
Radiation fibrosis is the scar tissue that forms as a result of the damage caused during radiation
therapy.
Why does it happen?
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells, but it also affects normal cells and healthy tissue. The DNA of
these healthy cells can be damaged. Blood vessels in the area may become damaged and blow flow
is then restricted. Radiation injury can occur in any body tissue including nerve, blood vessels,
muscle, bone, fascia, ligament, tendon, skin and organs.
In some cases, this damage causes a prolonged inflammatory response. This leads to hardening and
stiffening of these radiated tissues. Typically this begins 4-12 months post treatment and can
progress for years.
Will it happen to you?
Simply put we don’t know.
There are many factors to consider:
The intensity, frequency and duration of your radiation
Other treatment modalities- chemotherapy/surgery
Other co-morbidities- diabetes/cardiovascular function
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Some people will develop signs and symptoms within weeks to months and progress rapidly. Others
may not develop RFS for years, if at all.
Muscle pain, spasm or cramping
Muscle wasting
Tightness in your chest and shoulders
Postural changes
Skin changes- how it looks/feels/redness
What can be done to help?
Another common myth is that nothing can be done to help Radiation Fibrosis but this is not true.
Cancer rehab can help.
Scar tissue massage can help.
Myofascial release can help.
Stretching can help.
Moving can help.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out for help.
I’m always here
Catherine xx
References
Hojan K, Milecki P. Opportunities for rehabilitation of patientswith radiation fibrosis syndrome. Rep
Pract Oncol Radiother. 2013 Aug8;19(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.rpor.2013.07.007. PMCID:PMC4056465
DiFrancesco T, Khanna A,Stubblefield MD. Clinical Evaluation and Management of Cancer Survivors
withRadiation Fibrosis Syndrome. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2020 Feb;36(1):150982.
doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150982. Epub 2020 Jan 31. PMID: 32008860.
