Which statement is true about the side effects of radiation therapy?

• A. Fatigue, memory changes, and hair loss are possible side effects
• B. It has no side effects
• C. It always causes severe nausea
• D. It only causes weight gain

Answer: (A)

Radiation therapy can affect normal tissues near the treatment area, so side effects vary by where the radiation is given and the dose used. Fatigue is a common reaction as the body responds to treatment; hair loss occurs in the skin over the treated region where hair follicles are exposed; memory changes can occur if brain tissue is being irradiated, reflecting effects on cognitive function. Because these outcomes can happen in different patients and depend on the specifics of the treatment, this statement correctly identifies multiple possible side effects.

The other possibilities aren’t accurate for general radiation therapy: there are side effects, not none; severe nausea isn’t guaranteed for all treatment sites; and weight gain is not a typical or defining side effect of radiation therapy.