The quality of life of women treated for cervical cancer

Objective: The objective of this work was to assess the quality of life of women treated surgically for early stage cervical cancer (FIGO IA2-IIA).

Methods: Quality of life was evaluated at the preoperative period (T1), three months (T2) and six months after surgery (T3). The study employed two types of survey questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-C 30 and QLQ-CX 24. The study protocol was approved by the Bioethical Comitee at Rzeszów University. 100 women who signed an informed consent and completed questionnaires were included in the study.

Results: Based on EORTC QLQ-30 it was found that global health status improved at T2. This improvement was stable until T3. The same was true in respect of emotional and cognitive functioning. Role and social functioning improved at T3. Stable improvement of insomnia, appetite and financial difficulties was noted at T2 and T3. Reduction of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea was observed until T3. Based on the modules of the QLQ-CX 24 questionnaire, a reduction in symptom experience was observed at T2 and T3. The opposite tendency was noted in the case of body image.

Conclusions: The present study was carried out in a period of vulnerability for cervical patients up to six months from the start of treatment. The cancer itself, surgery and adjuvant therapy and their side effects together had an effect on quality of life.