Radiotherapy for cancer is often associated with complications and side effects. These, along with the worry and anxiety which the patient may experience from the disease itself and from treatment, place special demands on nursing intervention. A variety of nursing interventions are required since the needs of these patients are multifaceted and individual. It is shown that patients who undergo radiotherapy need treatment information, psychosocial support, and help in managing the side effects resulting from treatment. Documented side effects include fatigue, skin and hair reactions, loss of appetite, throat problems, difficulties swallowing, mouth dryness, coughing, disorders of the urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract, and sexual dysfunction. There are only a few randomized, controlled studies that assess the effects of different nursing interventions aimed at treating these side effects.