If you’re getting ready to have radiation for breast cancer, there’s a lot you should know. Your oncologist will probably give you a list of steps to take before your first radiation treatment.

There are also several things you should avoid while undergoing radiation for breast cancer. Keeping these in mind can improve your experience and decrease your risk of side effects.

Read on for more information about what to avoid with your radiation treatment plan.

Some medications and supplements can make your experience with radiation better or easier. However, others can have negative interactions with your radiation therapy.

For instance, antioxidant supplements may actually protect cancer cells against radiation treatment, which can make treatment less effective.

Be sure to keep your healthcare team informed of all your medications, including vitamins or multivitamins. That goes for prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, and dietary supplements. Don’t make changes without talking to your providers first.

Many people shave their underarms regularly because they like how it looks and feels. However, you might want to cut back on shaving the affected area during radiation.

Radiation-treated areas can be sensitive and irritated. Your healthcare team may suggest an electric razor to trim armpit hair instead of shaving directly on the skin. Talk to your cancer care team to see if it’s OK to shave or if you should hold off.

Your healthcare provider should give you some guidance and a list of products to use to care for your skin during radiation treatment. They may recommend certain lotions, sunscreens, or deodorants to help the treatment area stay in good shape during radiation.

Use the products your healthcare providers recommend during and after your treatments for better outcomes afterward. Your radiation oncologist may also advise you about clothing or bras that will help reduce skin reactions and irritation.