Experiences with the Use of Vaginal Dilator by Cervical Cancer Women Who Received Pelvic Radiotherapy at Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka Zambia

Background: Cancer of the cervix is the commonest cancer in women seen at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia and Pelvic Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality used on cervical cancer patients. Radiotherapy to the pelvis has a potential to causes vaginal stenosis but the stenosis can be prevented by regular sexual intercourse or use of vaginal dilators as recommended by cancer organizations. Despite the well-established benefits of vaginal dilators, there was reluctance by women to adopt this practice as seen by the number of survivors with vaginal stenosis at Cancer Diseases Hospital. The objective of this study was to explore experiences with the use of vaginal dilators by cervical cancer women who received Pelvic Radiotherapy. Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore experiences with the use of vaginal dilators by cervical cancer women. The study was conducted at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka District of Zambia. Participants were identified and purposefully sampled during the follow up clinics, they were then followed for interviews into their homes in Lusaka and data saturation was attained after interviewing 22 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes from the study emerged on how women with cervical cancer experienced the use of vaginal dilator; such as uncomfortable dilators, pity for the husband, changed lifestyle, embarrassment and fear. Conclusion: It was acknowledged that the use of vaginal dilator was associated with negative experiences such as uncomfortable dilators, pity for the husband, changed lifestyle, fear and embarrassment. Therefore, this study recommends that Health care providers from CDH and other health institutions should give appropriate information to patients concerning the use of vaginal dilators and the Ministry of Health to provide vaginal dilators instead of 50 milliliter syringes currently in use.