Comorbidity in disease-free survivors of cervical cancer compared with the general female population

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of comorbidities in cervical cancer survivors compared with the general population and to identify risk factors and impact on their quality of life (QoL).

Methods: 860 female cervical cancer survivors enrolled at six tertiary hospitals and 994 women from the general population were surveyed on current comorbidities and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24).

Results: Compared with the general female population, the cervical cancer survivors reported higher prevalence of comorbidities (0.93 +/- 2.91 vs. 0.37 +/- 0.67, p < 0.01), significantly more heart disease (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38-5.07), liver disease (aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.54-7.02), hypertension (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.30-2.27), gastrointestinal disease (aOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37-2.33) and musculoskeletal disease (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.45-2.59). Heart and renal disease significantly influenced QoL in many subscales. Patients with diabetes or cerebrovascular disease had an increased likelihood of sexual problems.

Conclusions: The cervical cancer survivors had more comorbidities than the general population, and that in turn affected their QoL. Vigilant follow-up of comorbidities should be incorporated into in the care of cancer survivors.