How long does radiotherapy take to work for head and neck cancer?

Radiotherapy targets cancer cells in a planned area, and the effect builds as damaged cells lose the ability to multiply. The treated area may feel more sore, dry, swollen, or irritated before it settles. Mouth or throat discomfort can affect eating, drinking, speech, and swallowing while treatment is continuing. These changes do not by themselves show whether the cancer has responded. Your team uses examination, symptoms, and imaging or other tests at the appropriate review point. The schedule varies with the tumour site, treatment intent, stage, and whether surgery or medicine is included.

Keep every treatment and review appointment, and follow the mouth-care, skin-care, and nutrition instructions from your team. Tell them early if swallowing becomes painful, food sticks, your mouth develops sores, or you are drinking less. Choose the foods and fluids recommended by your dietitian, and avoid tobacco and alcohol unless your clinicians advise otherwise. Use only approved products on the treated skin. Ask for help with pain, saliva changes, dental concerns, or speech and swallowing exercises rather than waiting until these problems are severe.

Call your team urgently if you cannot drink enough, are choking repeatedly, become unusually weak or dizzy, or have rapidly worsening swelling or pain. Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, coughing that prevents breathing, or sudden swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat. Fever or signs of infection also need prompt advice during treatment. Do not wait for the next radiotherapy appointment when swallowing or breathing is becoming unsafe.

Ask when your response will be reviewed, which symptoms are expected to peak after treatment, and how your team will check the treated area. Ask who to contact about nutrition, swallowing, dental care, skin reactions, and pain, and whether another treatment is planned alongside radiotherapy.