Developing and using preparatory information for women undergoing radiation therapy for cervical or uterine cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To describe symptoms associated with radiation therapy necessary to develop preparatory concrete, objective information for women with cervical or uterine cancer.

METHODS

Prospective, descriptive.

METHODS

University-affiliated radiation oncology department in the mid-south.

METHODS

49 of 52 women undergoing external beam radiation and low-dose rate brachytherapy for cervical or uterine cancer. Stage of disease ranged from I-IIIA. Mean age of subjects was 54 years; mean years of education was 11.

METHODS

Investigator-developed symptom checklist based on prior research.

METHODS

Symptom reports.

RESULTS

At least 40% of the women reported difficulty sleeping, fatigue, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, urinary frequency, dysuria, vaginal discharge, and perineal irritation. Incidence and timing of symptoms varied by operative status and brachytherapy timing.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings confirm and clarify the symptoms women associate with radiation treatment for cervical or uterine cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessing research findings for relevance to the care of patients in specific settings is necessary. These findings are appropriate for developing preparatory information for women undergoing external beam radiation and low-dose rate brachytherapy.