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.
Christman
N J
NJ
College of Nursing and Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, USA. njchri1@pop.uky.edu
Oakley
M G
MG
Cronin
S N
SN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D019522:Vaginal Discharge / Q000209:etiology