Women's experiences of gynaecological cancer treated with radiation

The study explores women's experience of pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecologic cancers, with specific reference to sexual impairment. Fifty women were interviewed and their responses recorded, from which data emerged several features. Ignorance was the most striking: the women were neither prepared for the treatment nor subsequent side effects. Other concerns expressed were what had caused the cancer, fear of recurrence, where to find help, sexual dysfunction and future expectations. Some subjects chose to avoid sexual contact altogether, others elected to preserve the marriage by resorting to various strategies. Information from all categories of health care workers was inadequate leaving the women to make the best of a changed life-style. In the light of this study a number of recommendations are presented and further areas of research are suggested.