Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: What Patients Need to Know

Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: What Patients Need to Know

Oesophageal cancer is a common malignant tumour, which seriously threatens the life and health of patients. Among many treatment modalities, radiotherapy is one of the important means of oesophageal cancer treatment. However, while killing and injuring the tumour cells, radiotherapy may also have certain effects on normal tissues, thus triggering a series of adverse reactions. In order to ensure the smooth progress of radiotherapy, minimize the adverse effects of radiotherapy on the body, and improve the therapeutic effect and patients' quality of life, oesophageal cancer patients must pay strict attention to many matters during receiving radiotherapy.

During radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer patients

need to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Attention to diet

● Avoid eating 2-3 hours before radiotherapy to keep the stomach empty and reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting during radiotherapy.

● During radiotherapy, consume light, easily digestible food, such as congee, noodles, wontons, etc. Avoid spicy, greasy, harder and irritating food.

● Eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, lean meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, in order to strengthen the body's immunity.

● Avoid foods that are too cold or too hot, so as not to irritate the oesophageal mucosa, aggravate the oesophageal reaction, and cause swallowing pain or discomfort.

2. Oral and skin care

●Keep your mouth clean, brush your teeth every morning and evening, and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after meals to prevent oral infections.

●Keep the skin clean, avoid using irritating shower gel or soap in the radiotherapy area, avoid scratching, wear loose, soft cotton clothes and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

3. Regular review

● During radiotherapy, regular examinations such as blood routine, liver and kidney functions, oesophagoscopy and oesophagography should be carried out regularly to understand the treatment effect and physical condition.

4. Rest and exercise

● Ensure sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late and overworking.

● Appropriate physical exercise, such as walking, jogging, yoga, etc., to enhance physical fitness and immunity.

5. Psychological care

● Anxiety and fear may occur during radiotherapy, so you should communicate with your family or friends and seek psychological support.    

The above precautions can help oesophageal cancer patients reduce discomfort during radiotherapy and improve treatment effect and quality of life. If discomfort occurs, doctors should be informed promptly so that the treatment plan can be adjusted.