Radiation Therapy (Sikai): Side Effects and Home Care

कैंसर की सिकाई (रेडियोथेरेपी) कैसे होती है, इसके साइड इफेक्ट क्या हैं और घर पर देखभाल कैसे करें।

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In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, radiotherapy is often called “sikai”. Families search for “cancer sikai kaise hoti hai” and “radiation ke side effects” when a doctor advises it. Here is what to expect.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays (or other radiation) aimed precisely at the tumour to damage cancer cells. Normal cells around it are affected too, but they recover better. It can be used alone, with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), after surgery to lower the chance of return, or to relieve pain and bleeding in advanced cancer (palliative radiotherapy).

Types

• External beam radiotherapy (EBRT): a machine called a linear accelerator gives treatment from outside the body. Modern techniques include 3D-CRT, IMRT, IGRT and SBRT.
• Brachytherapy: a radiation source is placed inside or next to the tumour for a short time; commonly used for cervical cancer.

How sikai is planned and given

1. Planning CT (simulation): you lie in the treatment position. For head and neck cancer, a custom mask is made to keep you still. Small marks may be placed on the skin.
2. Planning: the radiation oncologist and physicist plan the dose. This can take several days.
3. Daily treatment: usually once a day, 5 days a week, for 1 to 7 weeks depending on the cancer. Each session takes only minutes; most time goes in positioning. It is painless, like an X-ray.
4. Weekly review with the doctor to manage side effects.

Completing all planned sessions on time matters. Long gaps can reduce the effect of treatment, so plan travel and stay early if you live far from the centre.

Side effects (Radiation ke side effects)

Side effects mostly happen in the area being treated. They often start in the second or third week, peak near the end, and improve over 2 to 6 weeks after treatment.

• Everywhere: tiredness; skin redness, darkening or peeling in the treated area.
• Head and neck / mouth cancer: painful mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, taste change, weight loss. Dental check-up before treatment is important.
• Cervix / pelvis: loose motions, burning urine, vaginal dryness or narrowing later.
• Breast: skin reaction, breast swelling or heaviness.
• Chest: pain while swallowing, cough.

Some late effects can appear months or years later, such as dry mouth or skin stiffness. Your doctor will explain what applies to you.

Home care tips

• Wash treated skin gently with lukewarm water and mild soap; pat dry. Do not apply oil, haldi, creams or powders unless your team approves.
• Wear loose cotton clothes; avoid sun on the area.
• For mouth cancer: salt-soda gargles as advised, soft and moist food, no tobacco, gutkha, alcohol or spicy food.
• Eat enough protein and drink fluids. If eating is very hard, ask about nutrition support or a feeding tube early.

Is sikai safe for family members?

With external beam radiation, you are not radioactive. You can hug children and live normally with family. Only some forms of internal radiation (certain implants or radioactive iodine) need temporary precautions; your team will tell you if this applies.

Frequently asked questions

Cancer sikai kaise hoti hai?

After a planning CT, a machine gives precise radiation for a few minutes each day, usually 5 days a week, for 1 to 7 weeks.

Is radiation therapy painful?

No. The treatment itself is painless. Side effects like skin or mouth soreness can develop over the weeks.

Is it safe to be near children after radiation?

After external beam radiotherapy, yes. You do not become radioactive.

When do radiation side effects start and end?

Usually from week 2 or 3, peaking near the end, and improving over 2 to 6 weeks after treatment.

Can I miss a few sessions?

Avoid gaps. Missing sessions can reduce the effect. Talk to your team if you have a problem.

What should I eat during head and neck radiation?

Soft, moist, protein-rich foods like dal, khichdi, curd, eggs, and nutrition drinks if advised. Avoid spicy and very hot food.

Will hair fall with radiation?

Only in the treated area. Head radiation can cause hair loss; chest radiation does not cause scalp hair loss.

What is brachytherapy?

Internal radiation placed close to the tumour for a short time, commonly used in cervical cancer along with external radiation.

Related guides

• Chemotherapy: how it is given and side effects
• Eating during treatment: Indian food ideas
• Palliative care: when to ask and what to expect
• Hospitals with radiotherapy: ZenHeal Varanasi

Sources

• National Cancer Institute: Radiation therapy side effects (cancer.gov)
• American Cancer Society: Radiation therapy (cancer.org)
• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India: radiotherapy facility licensing (aerb.gov.in)