The experience of people with GI symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using a narrative analysis, what is the lived experience of people (and their partners where appropriate) who have gastrointestinal symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy for pelvic cancer?
IRAS ID
201783
Contact name
Tina Gambling
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, Public Health Wales (2015) demonstrate a 12% increase in cancer diagnosis since 2004, with over 19,000 new cases in 2013. They show an overall increase in survivorship- with at least 70% of cancer patients surviving at least one year post-diagnosis. Cancer survivorship is a growing area that is likely to have a major impact on the National Health Service (NHS) in all nations of the United Kingdom. Prostate and bowel cancers were amongst the most common tumour sites.\n \nTypically four out of every ten people with cancer will receive radiotherapy (Cancer Research UK 2014). The treatment aims to destroy the cancer cells, although any tissues within the beam of radiotherapy may also suffer some damage. When pelvic cancers, such as prostate, colorectal and cervical are treated there is a significant chance that areas of bowel will be affected due to the abdominal anatomy. Andreyev et al (2014) recognise that patients who have had pelvic radiotherapy may experience up to twenty-two different gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as faecal incontinence, abdominal pain and weight loss- collectively known as Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD). As these symptoms can occur at any time following the radiotherapy PRD is also referred to as ‘late-effects of pelvic radiation’. Whereas a review of the demonstrates that the physical symptoms are increasingly being recognised and treated, there is a dearth of literature going beyond simply recognising that GI symptoms can affect quality of life (QoL). \n\nThis research proposal aims to establish a deeper understanding, from those affected, of what it is like to live with the physical symptoms of PRD. Using a narrative approach will allow these patients voices to be heard, to bring attention to those managing their care and to ultimately improve recognition and treatment for people living with PRD.\n \n
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
16/WA/0126
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion