The ability to provide treatment for gynecological cancer and pelvic floor disorders concurrently has the potential to improve the quality of life for gynecological oncology patients, a recent study found. A pelvic floor dysfunction screening questionnaire was given to new patients presenting to a university-based gynecological oncology practice between August 1, 2010, and August 31, 2012. Those indicating symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction were offered urogynecological evaluations. Researchers found:

• Of 546 survey reviews, 236 (42.0%) patients reported being bothered by pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.
• However, only 6.7% wanted a referral for a urogynecological evaluation, and 93.2% declined an evaluation.
• The most frequently cited barrier to care among patients reporting moderate to severe bother from pelvic floor symptoms was feeling overwhelmed with the current medical situation (28%).
• Other barriers included a previous evaluation (14%), financial concerns (6.9%), and the belief that oncological treatment would cure pelvic floor symptoms (6%).