Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Dynamic Lung Tumor Tracking for Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiation Therapy
Published on: June 7, 2015
Addressing treatment-related sexual side effects among cancer patients: Sub-optimal practice in radiation therapy
Orlaith Lynch1, Anita O'Donovan1, Patrick J Murphy1,2
1Discipline of Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Objective:
Sexual side effects of treatment are common among cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Little attention has been given to the role of radiation therapists (RTs) in managing sexual issues. The current study sought to address this by assessing the provision of care for sexual issues by RTs in Ireland.
Methods:
Cross-sectional data were collected using an online questionnaire. Measures included: participant characteristics; sexuality-related practice; knowledge, awareness and confidence in dealing with sexual issues; the sexual attitudes and beliefs survey; and opinions as to the "ideal" management of sexual issues.
Results:
Discussion of sexual issues with patients was rare, and most participants (N = 46) did not feel these issues were addressed effectively in their departments. Barriers to the discussion of sexual issues included low knowledge, awareness and confidence; perceptions of professional role boundaries; and concerns about personal and patient discomfort. Nonetheless, participants indicated that RTs should ideally be equipped to discuss sexual side effects of treatment, as they would any other side effect.
Conclusion:
This study has identified a sub-optimal provision of care for sexual issues by RTs. Training is needed if RTs are to effectively support the work of the multidisciplinary team in this area.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Biological Effects of Radiation
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Strategies for Assessing and Addressing Confounding
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...

