How to Take Care of Your Health During Radiotherapy

Patients who are about to undergo or are currently receiving radiation therapy often have many questions about how to take care of themselves during treatment. The following five points are especially important:


01. Get Plenty of Rest

During radiation therapy, it’s common to feel fatigued, so making sure you get enough quality rest is essential. Whenever possible, ask family and friends to help with daily tasks and meal preparation — this will allow you to rest and recover properly. If you need additional support, please feel free to talk with our healthcare team. It’s important to recognize when your body needs rest. Research shows that light physical activity during treatment can actually help relieve fatigue — for example, taking short walks. You can consult your radiation oncologist to find out what type of daily exercise is best suited for you.


02. Follow Medical Advice

Radiation therapy is a highly individualized form of cancer treatment. In most cases, your radiation oncologist will provide recommendations tailored to your specific condition, so please follow their guidance and seek professional help as needed. At Jiahui International Cancer Center, we encourage you and your family to ask questions to make sure you fully understand the medical team’s advice and instructions. This not only helps your treatment progress more smoothly but also supports your recovery afterward.


03. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eating a nutritionally balanced diet every day is very important for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Both our outpatient and inpatient departments at Jiahui Cancer Center provide nutrition consultation services to ensure high-quality nutritional care, so please rest assured. In addition, it’s best to avoid dieting or intentional weight loss during radiation treatment.


04. Take Care of the Treated Skin Area

The skin in the area receiving radiation may become red or sensitive — similar to a sunburn. Our radiation therapy team will provide you with specific skincare recommendations. Some of these may include:
Clean the skin daily using warm water or a mild soap recommended by your healthcare provider.
Do not apply any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or powders to the treatment area unless approved by your doctor or nurse.
Avoid using products containing alcohol, such as perfume, on the treated area.
Do not apply heat or cold directly to the treated skin — this includes heating pads and ice packs.
Limit sun exposure to prevent sunburn. If you need to go outdoors, wear a hat or long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin. After treatment, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.


05. Seek Support

During radiation therapy, it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions — such as anxiety, sadness, fear, or even hopelessness. Expressing your feelings may help you cope better. If you need to talk, please reach out to any member of our radiation therapy team. They are always willing to listen and provide support.


Understanding your treatment and the potential challenges that may arise during radiation therapy can make a big difference. Every patient’s experience is unique, and the Jiahui medical team is here to offer personalized and appropriate care plans to help you face and overcome your illness with confidence.We hope this article has been helpful to you.