Abstract
Background and purpose: As there are few studies examining the impact of radiotherapy on sexuality, we assessed the effect of radiotherapy for carcinoma of the cervix on sexual health and the ability of the LENT system to assess sexual function. Materials and methods: Using the vagina and sexual dysfunction scales of the LENT SOMA scales, subjective scores were measured prospectively before initiation of radiotherapy for 89 women, and at the following times after the start of treatment: 21, 70, 200, 400, 600 and 800 days. Results: There was considerable variation in pre-radiotherapy scores that was not related to disease stage (P=0.054), but was related to patient age (P=0.037, for the average vagina scores and P=0.039 for the maximum vagina scores) The scores were influenced by prior surgery (P
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 241-247 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Radiotherapy and Oncology |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2003 |
Keywords
- Cervical carcinoma
- LENT SOMA scales
- Sexual dysfunction