Citation

Abayomi J. J. Hum. Nutr. Diet. 2008; 21(4): 373-374.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-277X.2008.00881_1.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background:  Approximately 12 000 individuals undergo radical radiotherapy in the UK every year, and as many as 50% may suffer the disabling side effects of chronic radiation enteritis (CRE) (Andreyev, 2005). Symptoms of CRE, include diarrhoea, incontinence, abdominal bloating/discomfort and can negatively impact on the quality of physical, psychological and social aspects of life (Abayomi et al.,2005). However, many clinicians feel that faecal incontinence is not a common problem (Putta & Andreyev, 2005). The aim of this study was to examine severity of CRE symptoms in women treated for cervical or endometrial cancer, using a validated questionnaire that explores the impact of faecal incontinence on quality of life (Bugg et al.,2001).