An exploratory study of reiki experiences in women who have cancer.

Aims: To explore the perceptions and experiences of reiki for women who have cancer and identify outcome measures for an intervention study.

Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study of 10 women who had received reiki after cancer treatment was conducted. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and coded using framework analysis.

The impact of registration of clinical trials units: the UK experience.

Background: Over the last decade, the United Kingdom has invested significant resources in its clinical trial infrastructure. Clinical research networks have been formed, and some general oversight functions for clinical research have been centralised. One of the initiatives is a registration programme for Clinical Trials Units involved in the coordination of clinical trials.

Psychosexual function and impact of gynaecological cancer.

A diagnosis of gynaecological cancer and its treatment are usually associated with many physical and psychological changes, both as a result of the diagnosis itself and of the usual treatments of surgery, radiotherapy and/or several months of chemotherapy. Patients often experience symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal swelling and pain, and suffer from emotional distress and disturbances of their life style. Sexual functioning can also be affected.

Sexual function after treatment for gynecological malignancy.

Purpose Of Review: This review summarizes current knowledge about the nature of sexual dysfunction in gynecological cancers, highlighting recent publications on disease effects, treatment effects, and communication issues.

Recent Findings: Recent studies have shown the impact of radiotherapy on sexual function in cervical cancer and have highlighted differences in the levels and duration of sexual problems in women with early stage compared with advanced, recurrent, or persistent disease. Qualitative studies in cervical and endometrial cancer have highlighted women's concerns in relation to femininity, fears of sexual relations, and the importance of communication with the woman's partner.

Psychometric properties of the Body Image Scale in women with benign gynaecological conditions.

Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Body Image Scale (originally designed for use in cancer) in women with benign gynaecological conditions.

Study Design: Prospective completion of the Body Image Scale by women participating in the EVALUATE Hysterectomy Trial. The scale was completed pre-operatively, then 6 weeks, 4 and 12 months post-operatively.

Sexual dysfunction after treatment for gynaecologic and breast malignancies.

Purpose Of Review: This review summarizes current knowledge about the nature of sexual dysfunction in gynaecologic and breast cancers, highlighting recent publications on treatment effects and communication issues.

Recent Findings: In both gynaecologic and breast cancer, sexual dysfunction causes much distress to patients, from the time of diagnosis through to long-term follow-up. It appears that younger women in particular experience difficulties related to loss of reproductive function and relationship problems, plus more abrupt vaginal changes, than older women.