Medscape:  Radiotherapy AND "side effects"

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The side-effects you may experience from radiotherapy will depend on which area is being treated. For example, if you receive radiotherapy to the neck, you may experience a sore throat and discomfort when swallowing. 

"Complications of radiotherapy depend on the irradiated volume of tissue, dose administered, and the technique employed. The acute effects are usually mild and transient ... " - Merck

In general modern radiotherapy devices are becoming better at focusing on cancer tissue and sparing normal cells. This tends to reduce side effects. 

Common side effects of radiotherapy:

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	Cystitis (pain when passing urine) - associated with bowel
	Diarrhea - associated with stomach and pelvis therapy
	Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)  - related PubMed abstracts
	Dry eye - associated with radiotherapy to to the eye
	Dry mouth - (xerostomia) associated with head and neck therapy
	Hair loss - associated with head and neck therapy
	Loss of taste - associated with mouth or head therapy
	Low blood counts (increases risk of infection) - associated with therapy that effects the bone marrow
	Mild depression (general)
	Mucositis (general)
	Nausea and vomiting (general)
	Oral pain - associated with mouth or head therapy
	Pain
	Tiredness and fatigue (general)
	Weight and appetite loss - associated with mouth or head therapy

Short- and Long-term risks of radiotherapy
The risks of any therapy must be weighed against the risks of the disease, alternative therapies, and the potential benefits of the treatment.

Short-term side effects from radiation therapy may include:

	dry mouth
	loose bowel movements,
	mild skin reactions,
	sore throat,
	tiredness,
	upset stomach,

Long-term side effects of radiation therapy is much lower today with newer radiation techniques that deliver low doses to the target areas, while minimizing exposures to normal tissues. Ongoing studies will better define which patients need radiation therapy and how much radiation is needed. In general, long-term risks are greater for patients who have a longer life expectancy, such as young patients receiving curative regimens.

	early onset of atherosclerotic heart disease;
	growth problems of bones and soft tissues;
	thyroid, heart, and lung problems;
	secondary cancers

Also see:  

	Cancer Treatment Support: Avoiding Infections | Diet Guidelines | Diet for Immunosuppressed | Fight nausea | Oral Health | Constipation | When to call your doctor
	Radioprotective strategies - Lymphomation.org

Resources: 

	Managing Side Effects - National Cancer Institute
	Radiotherapy: Possible side effects of treatment - CancerBACUP
	Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria - rtog.org