Perception of body odor-an overlooked consequence of long-term gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms after radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

• Purpose This study was conducted to investigate the association of long-term gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms with perceived fecal or urine body odor after radiation therapy for prostate cancer and its effect on survivors’ quality of life. Methods We used a study-specific questionnaire to measure the occurrence of long-term gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms, the perception of fecal or urine body odor, and quality of life (QoL) 2 to 14 years after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The questionnaire was sent to 895 eligible survivors who assessed symptom occurrence and QoL in the previous 6 months. Results We received a filled-in questionnaire from 874 (89 %) men. For the long-term gastrointestinal symptoms, 11/13 were associated with the perception of fecal body odor. For the long-term urinary symptoms, 11/11 were associated with the perception of urine body odor. Men who perceived fecal or urine body odor had a lower quality of life, a lower physical health, and more frequent feelings of depression compared with those who did perceive such body odor. Conclusion Long-term gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms after prostate irradiation are associated with the perception of fecal or urine body odor leading to a reduced quality of life. Implications for cancer survivors Disabling body odor after pelvic irradiation needs to be acknowledged in the clinic. Interventions to prevent long-term symptoms may serve the benefit of avoiding fecal or urine body odor after radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Late toxicity . Odor

Prostate cancer

Radiation therapy

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)