[20th August 2025]

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is delighted to announce the publication of this significant CPD-accredited, open access article in Cancer Nursing Practice:

Pelvic radiation disease: role of cancer nurses in patient assessment and self-management

Article authors

Professor Diana M Greenfield, Consultant Nurse (Late Effects), Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Professor, University of Sheffield

Professor Sara Faithfull, Adjunct Professor, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin and Visiting Professor, King’s College London

What the article sets out to achieve

The authors aim to strengthen healthcare professionals’ understanding of the late effects of pelvic radiotherapy and to highlight the important role of nurses in recognising and supporting patients at risk of PRD. The article sets out clear learning goals, including:

  • Helping nurses identify which patients may be at risk of PRD

  • Exploring how PRD can affect physical function, quality of life and wellbeing

  • Outlining the range of symptoms patients may experience

  • Equipping nurses with knowledge of self-management strategies that can support patients in daily life

Together, these objectives provide practical guidance to improve the assessment and care of people living with or beyond cancer who may experience late effects of treatment.

Why this matters

As more people live with and beyond cancer, many experience long-term effects of radiotherapy. PRD describes the symptoms and complications that can follow treatment in the pelvic area, affecting physical and emotional wellbeing. For a full explanation, see our definition of PRD.

PRD can sometimes resemble a recurrence or even a new cancer, so careful holistic assessment is essential. Nurses play a key role in recognising symptoms early and working within the multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive timely support and appropriate interventions.

PRDA’s role in making this possible

At PRDA, we aim to have an impact on the care and treatment of PRD by supporting healthcare professionals and researchers to improve professional awareness and education.

Thanks to PRDA funding the license for open access, this significant educational resource is freely available to anyone, without requiring a an RCNi subscription.

🔗 Read the full article

Who should read this?

Although the article is intended primarily for cancer nurses, it will be of interest to any healthcare professional caring for people who have, or have been treated for, pelvic cancers. It provides valuable insights into:

  • Increasing knowledge of the late effects of pelvic radiotherapy on physical function and quality of life

  • Supporting holistic patient assessment for potential symptoms of PRD

  • Guiding appropriate interventions and self-management strategies