S2659
RTT - Patient experience and quality of life
ESTRO 2026
these six respondents (n = 3) said they would have liked partner involvement. Qualitative responses revealed discomfort in initiating discussions and a need for more resources within radiotherapy
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Exploring sexual health education needs of gynaecological cancer survivors following radiation therapy Siofradh Kearney, Annemarie Devine, Andrew England, Theresa O' Donovan Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Radiation therapy is a key treatment modality for gynaecological cancers, including those of the cervix, uterus, vulva, vagina, and endometrium [1]. While effective, it is associated with significant side effects, particularly those affecting sexual health. Despite the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among survivors, conversations around sexual health are often limited or absent, leaving many women with unmet informational and emotional needs during and after treatment. This study aims to assess the sexual health information and educational unmet needs of gynaecological cancer survivors following radiation therapy, identify existing gaps, and develop recommendations to improve the sexual health information provided in radiation therapy departments. Material/Methods: This ethically approved mixed-methods study was conducted between February and April 2025. Participants were women aged 18 and older who had received radiation therapy for a gynaecological cancer within the past five years in Ireland. Recruitment was carried out via social media platforms and cancer support group networks. Data were collected using a Qualtrics survey, designed in accordance with the ESTRO Guidelines for Developing Questionnaires in Survey-Based Radiation Oncology [2]. The survey included both quantitative items and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. Results: Nineteen women consented to participate, although not all answered every question. Two of five participants (40%) reported not having received any sexual health information. Of the three who received information they rated it “okay” (40%) and “poor” (20%). Out of six responses, four participants (67%) reported wanting to receive information before, during and after treatment. 100% of respondents indicated that they would’ve liked ongoing support and access to resources. Preferred formats for information provision included in-person discussions, educational leaflets and online resources. Only one participant out of six had their partner involved in discussions regarding sexual health although half of
departments. Conclusion:
Gynaecological cancer survivors reported receiving inadequate sexual health information and support during their treatment journey. Despite a clear desire for these discussions, they are often overlooked in clinical settings. The findings underscore the need for standardised protocols and improved communication strategies to address sexual health in radiation therapy for gynaecological cancers. Enhancing education and support—ideally through multiple formats and inclusive of partners—could significantly improve patient experiences and outcomes. References: 1. Salama JK, Mundt AJ, Roeske J, Mehta N. Preliminary outcome and toxicity report of extended-field, intensity-modulated radiation therapy for gynecologic malignancies. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. 2006 Jul 15;65(4):1170–6.2. Webster A, Fog LS, Hall E, van Rossum PSN, Nevens D, Montay-Gruel P, et al. ESTRO guidelines for developing questionnaires in survey- based radiation oncology research. Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology. 2025 Mar 1;51:100895. Keywords: unmet needs, sexual health, education and support Evaluating Patient Satisfaction with Liver SABR in End-expiration Breath-Hold using Surface-Guided Radiotherapy Therapy Orla McKivitt 1 , Aisling Barry 1,2 1 Radiation Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. 2 Cancer Research@ UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Liver Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is a complex and technically demanding treatment which requires patient understanding and compliance particularly during end expiration breath-hold (EEBH)1. Surface-Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) offers a less invasive, streamlined option for motion Digital Poster 1601 management. This audit evaluated patient-reported experiences of the liver SABR treatment pathway using Surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) as a motion
management tool. Material/Methods:
A Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ- 18) was distributed to individuals who had completed
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