A study to investigate women's experiences of radiation enteritis following radiotherapy for cervical cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy remains the standard treatment for cervical cancer, especially for more advanced disease. It is estimated that the prevalence of chronic radiation enteritis (CRE) post-radiotherapy is in the region of 5-15%. However, preliminary studies at the study hospital suggest the problem to be more widespread (C. Israel, unpublished data). AIM: This qualitative study of 10 cervical cancer patients investigates experiences of CRE and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: Informed volunteers participated in one-to-one tape-recorded in-depth interviews exploring experiences following treatment. These interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NUD*IST Nvivo. RESULTS: The majority of women reported side-effects from radiotherapy, predominantly diarrhoea. CRE had a significant impact upon the physical, psychological and social aspects of life of sufferers, enforcing some to be virtually housebound. Other sufferers were managing their symptoms with regular medication and/or self-imposed restricted diets. Few of these women had ever sought professional help in dealing with their problems because of embarrassment or reluctance to complain. CONCLUSIONS: If untreated the side-effects of CRE have a disabling affect on sufferers, who may be reluctant to seek help about their symptoms. Health professionals need to be more pro-active in identifying and caring for sufferers of CRE.