Side effects may vary depending on the area where the treatment took place. Acute side effects include: skin irritation, hair loss, skin damage, and fatigue. Skin irritation is the most common. The skin over the affected area may become red, swollen, blistered, sunburned, or tanned. The skin may become dry, itchy, flaky, or even start to peel; these changes are only temporary. Chronic side effects including: gut damage, infertility, memory loss and scar tissue. These effects may not occur depending on the area being treated. A second cancer may result from the original treatment; this second cancer risk factor increases with smoking and genetic defects. With all patients, doctors will weigh the potential risks against the potential benefits to decide on the method of treatment (Brada M, De Ruysscher,