Patient experience preparing for prostate cancer radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Bladder and rectal preparation regimes for prostate cancer (PCa) radiotherapy (RT) can heighten anxiety before and during RT. Patient's perception of RT preparation is under-represented in the literature. To address this gap, patient's experience of preparation with respect to understanding, comfort, anxiety, effectiveness and impact on daily life was examined.

Materials and methods

A novel patient preparation survey was created and validated, it contained 12 original questions related to general, bladder and rectal preparation. Plus, the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ4) and question 15 of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC).Eligible patients were individuals referred for prostate or prostate bed +/- pelvic lymph node RT from March-May 2024.

SUBMITTER: Alexander SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11905849 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature