Psychological side effects of radiation therapy on cancer patients.

Abstract

Background: In this study, we investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and identified the factors associated with the multidimensional model, including sociodemographic, clinical, function and well-being, and symptom variables. Methodology: The research was conducted at the Shifa International Hospital Ltd. in Islamabad's radiation oncology clinic from February 2022 to May 2022. Assessments of side effects and the intensity of typical symptoms experienced by cancer patients receiving radiation therapy have been carried out using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) questionnaire. Version 20.0 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) has been used to analyze the data. They were described using categorical statistics using frequency and percentage. Results: The majority of participants were women. During the treatment, patients experienced various psychological reactions, such as nausea, Pain, anxiety, depression, fear, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and shortness of breath. Many patients also reported feeling sad, losing enjoyment of life, and having disturbed relationships with people around them. However, the psychological state of patients improved at the end and after the Intervention. Conclusion: Acute psychological side effects appeared in several patients receiving radiation therapy, such as anxiety, depression, fear, and low self-esteem. Hence, we concluded it has a high incidence. So, radiation therapy patients should receive support and care for their psychological well-being.