A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies of Chronic Bowel Symptoms in Cancer Survivors following Pelvic Radiotherapy

Biran, Adam; Bolnykh, Iakov; Rimmer, Ben; Cunliffe, Anthony; Durrant, L.; Hancock, John T.; Ludlow, Helen; Pedley, Ian; Rees, Colin; Sharp, Linda

doi:10.3390/cancers15164037

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…Questionnaire-based studies have reported varied prevalence of these symptoms and, perhaps more importantly, an associated decrease in overall quality of life (QoL) and across various QoL domains (e.g. [4][5][6]). However, few studies have used qualitative methods to explore survivors' experiences of living with these bowel symptoms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy

Biran,

Dobson,

Rees

et al. 2024

J Cancer Surviv

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Purpose We explored survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy, strategies employed in living with these symptoms, effects on daily activities, and roles at home and in the workplace. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 individuals (10 gynaecological, 14 prostate, four anal/rectal cancer survivors) who had completed pelvic radiotherapy at least six months prior to data collection and who had experience of bowel symptoms during this post-treatment period. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results We propose four themes describing a process leading from experience of symptoms to withdrawal from activities and roles. These are (1) losing control (the experience of unintended anal leakage or discharge); (2) experiencing embarrassment and fear (the experience of embarrassment or fear of embarrassment as a result of discharge becoming public); (3) managing and reacting (acting to reduce the likelihood of discharge or to prevent this becoming public); and (4) restriction and withdrawal (avoiding specific activities or situations so as to reduce or remove the risk of embarrassment). Returning to the workplace presented additional challenges across these themes. Conclusions Impacts of chronic bowel symptoms can be severe. Survivors employ a variety of methods and strategies in living with their symptoms. Some of these support continued role fulfilment but some constitute a withdrawal from pre-treatment roles. Current healthcare provision and statutory protections fail to fully meet needs following pelvic radiotherapy. Implications for cancer survivors. There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based services and supported self-management programmes for survivors experiencing chronic bowel problems post-radiotherapy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy

Biran,

Dobson,

Rees

et al. 2024

J Cancer Surviv

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“…The bowel symptoms that people treated with pelvic radiation may experience are wide-ranging and include urgency, frequency, bleeding, incontinence, mucous discharge, diarrhoea, excess wind, constipation and pain. Questionnaire-based studies have reported varied prevalence of these symptoms and, perhaps more importantly, an associated decrease in overall quality-of-life (QoL) and across various QoL domains (e.g., [4][5][6]). However, few studies have used qualitative methods to explore survivors' experiences of living with these bowel symptoms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Pelvic Radiation to Social Isolation: A Qualitative Study of Survivors’ Experiences of Chronic Bowel Symptoms after Pelvic Radiotherapy

Biran,

Dobson,

Rees

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Purpose We explored survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy, strategies employed in living with these symptoms, effects on daily activities and roles at home and in the workplace. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 individuals (ten gynaecological, fourteen prostate, four anal/rectal cancer survivors) who had completed pelvic radiotherapy at least six months prior to data collection and who had experience of bowel symptoms during this post-treatment period. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results We propose four themes describing a process leading from experience of symptoms to withdrawal from activities and roles. These are: (1) Losing Control (the experience of unintended anal leakage or discharge); (2) Experiencing Embarrassment and Fear (the experience of embarrassment or fear of embarrassment as a result of discharge becoming public); (3) Managing and Reacting (acting to reduce the likelihood of discharge or to prevent this becoming public); and (4) Restriction and Withdrawal (avoiding specific activities or situations so as to reduce or remove the risk of embarrassment). Returning to the workplace presented additional challenges across these themes. Conclusions Impacts of chronic bowel symptoms can be severe. Survivors employ a variety of methods and strategies in living with their symptoms. Some of these support continued role fulfilment but some constitute a withdrawal from pre-treatment roles. Current healthcare provision and statutory protections fail to fully meet needs following pelvic radiotherapy. Implications There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based services and supported self-management programmes for survivors experiencing chronic bowel problems post-radiotherapy.

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Pelvic Radiation Therapy Increases Risk of Pouch Failure in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Ileal Pouch

Gnanapandithan,

Stuessel,

Shen

et al. 2024

Dig Dis Sci

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A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies of Chronic Bowel Symptoms in Cancer Survivors following Pelvic Radiotherapy

Cited by 4 publications

References 70 publications

From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy

From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy

From Pelvic Radiation to Social Isolation: A Qualitative Study of Survivors’ Experiences of Chronic Bowel Symptoms after Pelvic Radiotherapy

Pelvic Radiation Therapy Increases Risk of Pouch Failure in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Ileal Pouch

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