Radiation Therapy and Psychological Distress in Gynecologic Oncology Patients: Outcomes and Recommendations for Enhancing Adjustment

Radiotherapy is used commonly in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Many patients experience emotional distress prior to the initiation of radiotherapy, during the course of treatment, or after the completion of treatment. This paper describes treatment experiences from the patients' perspective, reviews the empirical data concerning patients' emotional responses to these treatments, and overviews strategies for reducing patient distress.