Radiation sickness is often associated with one of the common cancer treatment options: radiotherapy. Less severe radiation sickness can occur with as little as 1 GY (gray) of exposure to radiation. Many doses of radiation (often called fractions) are at least 1GY in exposure leading to radiation sickness and the resulting side effects. Pay attention to the following steps in recognizing and dealing with the radiation sickness that occurs from many cancer treatment options.

Step 1

Look for nausea and vomiting within 24-48 hours of exposure.

The first sign of radiation sickness after cancer treatments is usually nausea. If this is watched for or expected, anti-nausea medication can be prescribed to help mollify these negative side effects. Expect the nausea to come, then cease, only to return after a period of a few days. If nausea and vomiting occur earlier than 24 hours contact your physician as you may have a more acute case.

Step 2

Pay attention to head aches, weakness, and fatigue.

Many cancer patients may be encouraged to recognize these symptoms as typical to mild radiation sickness. If radiotherapy is the best of your cancer treatment options be prepared to sense a loss of energy that may last well after radiotherapy is over.

Step 3

Take note of high fever, hair loss, bloody stool, or diarrhea.

Generally speaking these symptoms only occur with high doses of radiation therapy for cancer. If you have these symptoms in the first few days after treatment begins it is worth consulting with your physician to see if this is normal for your dose of radiation exposure.