Women undergoing pelvic brachytherapy: meanings of therapy and its effects

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i13.34963

Keywords:

Brachytherapy; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Oncology nursing.

Abstract

This study aims to describe the meaning of pelvic brachytherapy and its effects on the perception of women following treatment. It is narrative research carried out at the Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas (Santa Catarina/ Brazil), including 34 women with gynecological cancer, in follow-up at the physiotherapy service after the end of treatment. Data collection by semi-structured interview submitted to content analysis. Theoretical framework supported by the Theory of Comfort. Of the results stand out, 88.25% had cervical cancer, mean age of 54.4 years, 26.47% were 30-39 years old, 41.17% had stage IIB, 88.25% had not had a hysterectomy. The meaning found in the narratives declare the difficulties in obtaining the diagnosis, coping with cancer, brachytherapy and adverse effects such as genito-urinary, intestinal and sexual changes causing impaired comfort and/or discomfort. Professional support and self-care are perceived as an aid to comfort. The waiting room means comfort or discomfort. Conclusion: it appears that the meanings of therapy and its effects show the confrontations experienced and that women need professional support, which reinforces the importance of health education and clinical evaluation during and after brachytherapy for prevention, control, self-care of adverse effects and cancer care for better quality of life. To reduce discomfort, clinical interventions and the use of educational technologies can provide better relief, tranquility and favor the transcendence of women with gynecological cancer.

Author Biographies

Maria Eduarda Hames, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Enfermeira. Laboratório de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão: atenção interdisciplinar em cuidados paliativos e oncologia. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil

Luciana Martins da Rosa, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Enfermeira. Doutora em Enfermagem. Professora do Departamento de Enfermagem e do Programa de Pós Graduação Gestão do Cuidado em Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil

Mirella Dias, Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas

Fisioterapeuta. Doutora em Ciências Médicas. Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil.

Professora do Curso de Graduação em Fisioterapia, Universidade Estadual de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil.

Ana Izabel Jatobá de Souza, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Enfermeira. Doutora em Enfermagem. Professora do Departamento de Enfermagem e do Programa de Pós Graduação Gestão do Cuidado em Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Enfermagem, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil.

Vera Radünz, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Enfermeira. Doutora em Enfermagem. Laboratório de Tecnologia, Pesquisa e Inovação: Cuidando & Confortando, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil.

Maristela Jeci dos Santos, Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas

Enfermeira. Doutoranda do programa de pós graduação e gestão em enfermagem, modalidade profissional. Mestre em Enfermagem. Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas. Florianópolis, SC, Brasil

Tomaz Domingos de Souza Neto, Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas

Enfermeiro. Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil

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Published

09/10/2022

How to Cite

HAMES, M. E.; ROSA, L. M. da; DIAS, M.; SOUZA, . A. I. J. de; RADÜNZ, V. .; SANTOS, M. J. dos .; NETO, T. D. de S. Women undergoing pelvic brachytherapy: meanings of therapy and its effects. Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 11, n. 13, p. e341111334963, 2022. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v11i13.34963. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/34963. Acesso em: 24 apr. 2024.

Issue

Section

Health Sciences