Factors influencing quality of life of cervical cancer patients in Korea / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life (QOL) of uterine cervical cancer patients after treatment in Korea and to demonstrate influencing factors. METHODS: 127 uterine cancer survivors, 107 controls of benign gynecologic surgery patients were interviewed with study questionnaire by research assistant. RESULTS: Participants were with the mean age of 54 years (cancer patients) and 43 years (controls). Physical component score of General QOL was statistically significant in uterine cervical cancer group compared with control group (p=0.049). Parts of MCS, CS-QOL, Emotional support, Coping efforts didn't show differences between two groups. In patients' characteristics, high economic status and advanced stage influenced patient's adaptation to treatment. When evaluating QOL including sexual function, most parts were statistically significantly worsen in uterine cancer patients, ie, sexual dysfunction (p=0.004), sexual discomfort (p=0.070), sexual pleasure (p=0.011), gynecological symptom (p=0.001). Most factors except age didn't influence sexual function deterioration between cancer group and control group. Common presenting concerns of cancer patients before treatment was health (51%), children (23%), economic problem (16%) but after treatment health (92%). The most helpful people were family members in 84% and physicians in 9%. CONCLUSION: Uterine cervical cancer survivors in Korea appear to experience greater distress on sexual function especially in young age. Therefore it is important for health care professionals to recognize that aspects of cancer survivorship continue to require education and adequate follow-up program.