The incidence of ovarian cancer is increasing and that of cervical cancer is falling, such that in the developed world, ovarian cancer deaths now exceed those due to cervical and endometrial cancer combined. In the UK, about 8,000 of the 15,000 women diagnosed as having gynaecological malignancy annually will die from their disease. Key points Many women are cured of their gynaecological cancer by radiotherapy. Early radiation effects may cause troublesome gut and bladder symptoms during treatment. Late radiation effects may cause minor damage, or may lead to death due to complications.
Many women face physical, social and psychosexual problems after treatment.
Late radiation effects may mimic the symptoms of recurrent disease. Anorexia is a common problem in advanced malignancy. It is the absence of appetite despite obvious nutritional needs. However, it ranked tenth in 'distressing' symptoms, suggesting that other problems may be more important to patients. Key points Anorexia is one of the most common symptoms in advanced malignancy.