Radiotherapy side effects

Five questions people ask, put to Google AI Overviews, Google AI Mode and ChatGPT in November 2026.

Got the NHS facts right
9 of 12 answers
Got the NHS facts right
Got the NHS facts right
Got the NHS facts right
Cited NHS or accredited sources
10 of 12 answers with sources
Cited NHS or accredited sources
Cited NHS or accredited sources
Cited NHS or accredited sources

The questions

Question
The NHS says
AI Overviews
AI Mode
ChatGPT
How long after radiotherapy does sore skin usually get better?
2 to 4 weeks
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says skin problems settle within 2 to 4 weeks
●Different on AI Mode Google AI Mode Contradicts the NHS
The NHS says skin problems settle within 2 to 4 weeks
ChatGPT (logged out) Unconfirmed The first check found different: Contradicts the NHS. The NHS says: Skin problems settle within 2 to 4 weeks. The second check disagreed, so it isn’t counted.
What SPF sunscreen should I use on skin after radiotherapy and for how long?
SPF 50 for at least a year
●Different on AI Overviews Google AI Overviews Contradicts the NHS
The NHS says SPF 50 for at least a year
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says SPF 50 for at least a year
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says SPF 50 for at least a year
Does radiotherapy make you lose all your hair like chemotherapy does?
Treated area only
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says radiotherapy hair loss only in treated area
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says radiotherapy hair loss only in treated area
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says radiotherapy hair loss only in treated area
Does external radiotherapy make me radioactive around my kids?
Not radioactive
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says external radiotherapy does not make you radioactive
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says external radiotherapy does not make you radioactive
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says external radiotherapy does not make you radioactive
Why am I so tired during radiotherapy and what helps?
No single NHS line
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Matches the NHS Differs from the NHSUnconfirmed

Where the answers came from

Answers, of 5 with sources
NHS websiteNHS2
Cancer Research UKUK charity on the PIF TICK list2
OncoDailyHealth website1
Macmillan Cancer SupportUK charity on the PIF TICK list1 OncoLinkUS health website1

Where the answers came from

Answers, of 2 with sources
NHS websiteNHS2
University College London Hospitals Cancer ServicesNHS1
Macmillan Cancer SupportUK charity on the PIF TICK list1 Cancer Research UKUK charity on the PIF TICK list1
UK charities for radiotherapy side effects Radiotherapy UKCancer Research UKMacmillan Cancer Support