Colorectal and anal cancer patients experiences during pelvic radiotherapy: a service evaluation

Bowen, JD ORCID: 0009-0003-5801-6160, Porritt, B ORCID: 0000-0003-2283-9168 and Appleton, L (2025) Colorectal and anal cancer patients experiences during pelvic radiotherapy: a service evaluation Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice, 24. e34-. ISSN 1460-3969, 1467-1131

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Abstract

Introduction: Pelvic radiotherapy can be an important management option for people diagnosed with colorectal or anal cancer, who often experience a wide range of adverse effects that can be detrimental to Quality-of-Life (QoL) due to the radiotherapy. Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are valuable multi-disciplinary members who provide a range of practical and holistic support to these patients, via on-treatment review appointments. A lack of evidence exists relating to colorectal and anal cancer patients’ perceptions of on-treatment CNS review appointments. Methods: A service evaluation of the nurse-led on-treatment appointments using a questionnaire was undertaken. Yes/No, Likert Scale and free-text questions were asked, allowing for quantitative and qualitative data collection. Ethical approval was obtained. Standard quantitative data analysis and thematic analysis (TA) methods were used. Results: Twelve [12] colorectal and anal cancer patients participated. The data showed that patients had positive experiences with their appointments, but had fears regarding the unknown and the future. Conclusion: Patients were satisfied with the on-treatment review service, and the results suggest that the service is efficient and effective. Future research should evaluate this type of colorectal CNS service across a larger colorectal and anal cancer patient population.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Colorectal cancer, pelvic radiotherapy, patient experience and on treatment review
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2025 09:37
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 17:27
DOI:	10.1017/S1460396925100150
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1017/S1460396925100150
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3194147
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