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Learning Objective 1: identify three common signs and symptoms of urogenital atrophy.
Learning Objective 2: discuss assessment techniques related to urogenital atrophy in breast cancer survivors.
An instrument to effectively measure the signs and symptoms of urogenital atrophy did not exist in the literature. Therefore, measurement of the potential response to treatment was difficult and without standardization. A reliable and valid instrument to measure the symptoms of urogenital atrophy in breast cancer survivors was developed in 2008. Factor analysis identified three common domains with ten common symptom dimensions, resulting in a 16-item questionnaire. This instrument allowed the survivors to self-report urologic, genital, and sexual symptoms, regardless of partner status, gender, sexual activity, and/or practice of penile vaginal intercourse. Additional research was performed in 2009 to identify a reliable and valid sign of urogenital atrophy. Combined, these studies result in a reliable and valid instrument to measure and document the signs and symptoms of urogenital atrophy in breast cancer survivors.
Dissemination of these study results and this newly-designed instrument is vital to the accurate assessment and measurement of urogenital atrophy, as care of breast cancer survivors is not limited to the oncology health care team. The number of breast cancer survivors is increasing exponentially due to early detection efforts, improvement treatments, and decreased systemic hormonal usage. Therefore, nurses must be able to identify the common signs and symptoms of urogenital atrophy and provide accurate documentation. Future research to identify effective, non-hormonal interventions is warranted.