Skin Cancer

Treatment Care Guide

Caring For Yourself During Radiation Therapy

Get plenty of rest during treatment, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of fluids.

Tell your doctor about any medications or vitamins you are taking to make sure they are safe to use during radiation therapy.

Treat the skin exposed to radiation with care. Clean the area with warm water and mild soap and use lotions or ointments only after checking with your doctor or nurse. Keep this area out of the sun and avoid applying hot or cold packs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What will my side effects be?
Dry skin, rashes, and itching are common side effects of cancer treatment. The side effects will only affect the portion of your skin being radiated. The effects will begin to show up 2-3 weeks into your treatment.

2) What should I use on my skin if I have those symptoms?
We suggest using Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Udderly Smooth Cream. We provide free samples, and you can also find these products online and at local drug stores.

3) How effective is radiation treatment for skin cancer?
Radiation therapy is highly effective in curing squamous and basal cell cancers, resulting in high cure rates.

4) Does radiation therapy hurt?
No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. The side effects are minimal.

5) Will there be any scarring after my radiation treatments?
The healthy cells "fill in" and replace the cancer cells, resulting in an excellent cosmetic outcome, in most cases.