Long-term Symptoms after External Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer with Three or Four Fields

Gastrointestinal complications of pelvic radiotherapy: are they of any importance?

“…Yet there is evidence that of all the gastrointestinal symptoms which can occur after radiotherapy, faecal incontinence causes the greatest distress. [27][28][29] So, it is sobering that until this year 30 there has not been a single published study of any form of medical treatment for faecal incontinence in this population. However, my uncontrolled observation (currently being tested in a randomised trial) is that simple interventions produce substantial and sustained benefit in many patients.…”

Long‐term anorectal, urinary and sexual dysfunction causing distress after radiotherapy for anal cancer: a Danish multicentre cross‐sectional questionnaire study

“…Following curative intent radiotherapy for other pelvic malignancies, including bladder, prostate and cervical cancer, long‐term anorectal symptoms were among the most important sources of distress . Long‐term faecal incontinence caused the highest level of distress in 10–14% and faecal urgency in 14% of patients .…”

High Perceived Stress Is Linked to Afternoon Cortisol Levels and Greater Symptom Distress in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer

“…3Y5,8,20 However, studies comparing symptoms (eg, sexual dysfunction, urinary and bowel problems) and symptom distress between RP and RT treatments have led to conflicting findings. 4,20 Furthermore, no studies have examined the relationships among salivary cortisol, perceived stress, symptoms, and symptom distress in men treated with RP or RT for prostate cancer. It is not known if elevated levels of salivary cortisol or perceived stress are associated with more symptoms or symptom distress.…”