The Effect of Acupressure on Patients Receiving Brachytherapy

"The Effect of Acupressure on Anxiety, Pain and Vital Signs in Gynecological Cancer Patients Receiving Brachytherapy: A Randomized Controlled Study"

This study aimed to use acupressure to reduce anxiety in gynecologic cancer patients receiving brachytherapy. It was also aimed to investigate the effects of acupressure on anxiety, pain, and vital signs.

Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy used in cancer treatment. In this method, the radiation source is placed directly on the tumor or the area to be treated. In this way, high doses of radiation are applied only to the target area, while surrounding healthy tissues are less damaged. Brachytherapy is usually used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as prostate, cervix, breast, and skin cancer. Gynecological brachytherapy is the application of brachytherapy in the treatment of gynecological cancers. It can be used especially in cancers of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. This treatment method is performed by placing the radiation source in the area where the tumor is located. Brachytherapy can be used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or other types of radiotherapy in the treatment of these types of cancers. Factors such as cancer burden, the problem of achieving remission, and the need for patients to remain immobile during the procedure, which is performed in a room that needs to be isolated due to radiation, contribute to symptoms such as pain and anxiety before and during treatment. These symptoms can sometimes affect vital signs. The need for patients to remain immobile during brachytherapy, the need to be isolated in a room due to radiation, and the discomfort caused by the applicators also increase anxiety in women. Patients often experience fear and anxiety because there is insufficient information about brachytherapy that could help relieve their pain and anxiety. Despite the complexity of such a procedure and the significant patient population, there are few studies on women's experiences with brachytherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being registered in Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Radiation Oncology Polyclinic
• Brachytherapy (intracavital brachytherapy) treatment protocol will be applied due to gynecological cancer.

to be

• Karnofsky Performance Scale being 80 and above (Performance scale for cancer patients)
• Being between the ages of 18 and 65
• Being conscious and cooperative
• Verbal and written approval to participate in the study after an explanation about the study is made.

Exclusion Criteria:

Impaired skin integrity in the acupressure application area

• Refuses to participate in the study after making a statement about the study.
• Bone or spine metastasis
• Amputation of the extremities to be applied
• Not having any mental illness