Scientists from the Medical University of Vienna have found that patients who are sexually active or enlarge their vaginas after cervical cancer treatment have a lower risk of long-term side effects. Study results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. It is most often diagnosed around age 50. Standard nonsurgical treatment for patients whose cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs includes a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy (placing radioactive implants directly into the tumor).
The five-year survival rate is 74%, which is very high. However, exposing tumors near the vagina to high doses of radiation can cause the tumors to shorten or narrow. This condition makes gynecological examination difficult and causes pain during intercourse. Doctors often recommend regular and ongoing vaginal dilation to reduce these side effects and prevent scar tissue from forming, but this method has not been proven effective.
1,416 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer participated in the new study. They went to the doctor an average of 11 times over five years.
Patients who reported both vaginal dilation and sexual activity had the lowest risk of vaginal tightness (18%). This situation was seen in 37% of patients who did not take any precautions to combat vaginal narrowing.
“Creating cancer is always our priority. But as the number of relatively young people recovering from cervical cancer increases, it becomes increasingly important to prevent and treat side effects to ensure a better quality of life. This study will help reduce the taboo around sexual health and encourage doctors to engage with their patients.” “I hope it will make it easier to discuss these issues,” he said. , Katrin Kirchheiner.
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Source: Gazeta
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