Health Tip: Take Care of Yourself During Radiation Therapy

-- Radiation therapy to help fight cancer may be physically and emotionally draining.

It's important to get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy and balanced diet and to stay as healthy as possible during your treatments.

The American Cancer Society recommends:

• Get enough sleep. This may include naps during the day, as fatigue can be a major side effect of radiation that can last up to six weeks after treatments end.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Discuss your diet with your medical team, particularly if you are having side effects that make it difficult to eat.
• Clean the skin affected by radiation with a mild soap. Do not use any other products to clean the skin without your doctor's approval.
• Tell your medical team about all medicines and supplements you take.