Late Symptoms in Gynaecological Cancer Survivors After Radiation Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Lind H, Waldenström A-C, Dunberger G, al-Abany M, Alevronta E, Johansson K-A, Olsson C, Nyberg T, Wilderäng U, Steineck G, Åvall-Lundqvist E
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Hypothesis
What are the late symptoms experienced by long-term gynaecological cancer survivors after radiation therapy?
Conclusion
Gynaecological cancer survivors previously treated with pelvic radiation report a higher occurrence of symptoms from the urinary and gastrointestinal tract as well as lymph oedema, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain compared with non-irradiated control women.
Supporting Evidence
- Survivors reported a higher occurrence of symptoms from all organs studied.
- The highest relative risk was found for symptoms like faecal incontinence and urinary difficulties.
- Survivors treated with radiation therapy alone showed higher rates of symptoms.
- Health-care providers need to actively ask patients about specific symptoms.
Takeaway
Women who survived gynaecological cancer and had radiation therapy often have more health problems later on, like trouble with their bladder and bowels, and pain.
Methodology
A cohort of 789 gynaecological cancer survivors and 478 control women were surveyed using a validated questionnaire about various symptoms.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to self-reported symptoms and the exclusion of non-participating subjects.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all gynaecological cancer survivors due to the specific population and potential non-participation bias.
Participant Demographics
Median age for cancer survivors was 66.0 years, with a higher prevalence of single status and lower education levels compared to controls.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.0–40.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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