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- Title
Long-term anorectal, urinary and sexual dysfunction causing distress after radiotherapy for anal cancer: a Danish multicentre cross-sectional questionnaire study.
- Authors
Sunesen, K. G.; Nørgaard, M.; Lundby, L.; Havsteen, H.; Buntzen, S.; Thorlacius‐Ussing, O.; Laurberg, S.
- Abstract
Aim The objective of primary radiotherapy for anal cancer is to remove cancer while maintaining anorectal function. However, little is known about anorectal function among long-term survivors without colostomy. Using a cross-sectional questionnaire study, we examined symptoms and distress related to the dysfunction of pelvic organs after radiotherapy for anal cancer. Method A questionnaire regarding anorectal, urinary and sexual symptoms was sent to anal cancer patients without recurrence or colostomy, diagnosed during 1996-2003, and treated with curative intent (chemo)radiotherapy at three Danish centres. For each symptom we assessed frequency and severity and the level of symptom-induced distress (no, little, moderate or great distress). Results Of 94 eligible patients, 84 (89%) returned the completed questionnaire at a median of 33 months after radiotherapy. Incontinence for solid stools, liquid stools and gas occurred at least monthly in 31%, 54% and 79% of patients, respectively. Overall 40% of patients reported great distress from incontinence for solid or liquid stools at least monthly. Faecal urgency occurring at least monthly was experienced by 87% of patients and caused great distress in 43%. Stress, urge or another type of urinary incontinence occurred at least monthly in 45% and caused great distress in 21%. Urinary urgency occurred at least monthly in 48% but only caused great distress in 14%. Sexual desire was severely decreased in 58% and only 24% were satisfied with their sexual function. Conclusion Distressing long-term anorectal and sexual dysfunction was common after radiotherapy for anal cancer, and morbidity due to urinary dysfunction was moderate.
- Subjects
LONG-term care facilities; URINARY organ diseases; ANAL cancer treatment; QUESTIONNAIRES; CROSS-sectional method; RADIOTHERAPY
- Publication
Colorectal Disease, 2015, Vol 17, Issue 11, pO230
- ISSN
1462-8910
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/codi.13076