What is the impact of radiotherapy on quality of life and overall survival of patients with endometrial cancer - Dissertation Example

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of cancer in these cases. The prognosis for endometrial cancer has improved gradually with the introduction of new medical developments and interventions. Based on the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, survival rates from 1996-2001 was pegged at 85% (van de Poll-Franse, et.al., 2007). The survival rates and prognosis for endometrial cancer has also improved with the older population more likely to exhibit the disease and public awareness leading to earlier diagnosis for the disease.

Radiotherapy refers to the application of high-dose X-rays in order to destroy cancer cells. It is used in the management of different forms of cancer, including endometrial cancer following hysterectomy. Radiotherapy is often carried out following surgery or hysterectomy after a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. It is a procedure highly recommended for women who are at risk of having the cancer spread to other parts of the body. In cases where surgery cannot be carried out on the woman for some reason or another, radiation therapy may be the primary and initial intervention applied.

In these cases however, the prognosis or survival rates are not as favourable. It is also an intervention which may be applied at different stages of the treatment, depending on the stage of the cancer.Radiation therapy may treat the cancer if the endometrial cancer has not metastasized to other parts of the body. . Like all other forms of cancer, endometrial cancer may recur and radiation therapy may be applied to manage symptoms and improve the patient’s comfort levels (Audisio, 2013). Radiation therapy may treat the cancer if the endometrial cancer has not metastasized to other parts of the body.

More often than not, radiation therapy in cases of endometrial cancer is administered for women who have undergone hysterectomy first. Under these conditions, the radiation therapy helps prevent the recurrence and metastasis of the cancer (Hoskins, 2005). It can also be applied for women who cannot go through surgery for possible health prohibitions. However, as was mentioned, the radiation therapy may not anymore work as well as when it is used in combination with surgery. As with all forms of medical interventions, there are risks involved.

Radiation therapy has been known to cause unfavourable side effects to any part of the pelvis. Bladder irritation is common in these cases (Hoskins, 2005). As soon as the therapy is ended however, the side-effects also cease. Other unfavourable effects include bowel obstruction, abdominal cramps, chronic bladder irritation, diarrhoea, vaginal scarring, and frequent bowel movements. Important considerations in this case include the fact that internal radiation can lead to physical changes in the vagina which can later lead to sexual issues including painful intercourse (WebMd, 2010).

Radiation therapy can also lead to permanent sterility and where the cancer is in its earlier stages and children is still a possible option, progestin hormone therapy can be considered rather than hysterectomy or radiation therapy. The impact on the patient is however not as