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Distress associated with radiotherapy for malignant disease: a quantitative analysis based on patients perceptions
A J Munro1, R Biruls, A V Griffin
1Department of Radiotherapy, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
British Journal of Cancer
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Patients undergoing radiotherapy experienced significant distress, primarily due to concerns for their family and hygiene issues. Psychological distress, including anxiety, outweighed physical symptoms, highlighting a need for better patient support during cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Patient Care
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment.
- Patients often experience distress during treatment.
- Understanding patient distress is crucial for improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient distress during radiotherapy.
- To identify key sources of distress.
- To compare psychological and physical distress.
Main Methods:
- Interviewed 80 patients within 24 hours of their first radiotherapy fraction.
- Re-interviewed 31 patients at the end of treatment.
- Assessed distress related to disease, treatment, and side-effects.
Main Results:
- Worry about family was the primary concern at the first interview.
- Inability to wash was the dominant complaint at the end of treatment.
- Psychological problems (anxiety, sleep disturbance) caused more distress than physical symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Patient distress during radiotherapy is significant and multifaceted.
- Concerns for family and hygiene are major issues.
- Psychological support is as important as managing physical side-effects in radiotherapy care.