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Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: External Radiation Therapy

Emotional Side Effects of Radiation

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Fear, fatigue and and/or depression are not unusual when a person undergoes radiation treatment. If a drug is given at the same time as radiation, the drug may cause mood changes such as irritability.

Fear: Radiation can provide strong fears, many of which are based on myths. Two examples of myths are:

  • Older people in particular may have fear of radiation based on its early history when it was used for cancer that was not curable and was only used to relieve symptoms by delaying the growth of the tumor instead of trying to destroy it.
  • Some people fear radiation because of what they know about Hiroshima, nuclear accidents and the fears felt worldwide after the tsunami in Japan in 2011. Radiation sickness does not occur with controlled medical radiation.

Fears not related to radiation but which already exist before treatment can come to the surface. For instance, a fear of being confined in an enclosed space, or fear (irrational as it may be) that a machine which is positioned overhead could fall on you. If such fears become overwhelming, you can receive an anti-anxiety medication before the start of treatment.

For information about dealing with fear, click here

Fatigue: As noted in the physical side effects section of this document, fatigue is common with radiation therapy. Fatigue generally has an emotional part. Feelings which accompany fatigue are:

  • Lack of energy
  • Inability to carry your your usual tasks
  • Having less interest in your everday activities including interest in sex
  • Not feeling rested

Fatigue can continue for weeks after the end of radiation treatment.

To learn how to cope with fatigue, click here.  If the techniques don't work, speak with your doctor. In addition to suggestions about fatigue, your symptoms may result from another medical cause.

Depression: The start of radiation treatment, often brings home the reality of a cancer diagnosis, which can in turn lead to sadness or depression. To learn the symptoms of depression, and what to do about it, click here. 


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