Quality of life and sexuality of Norwegian women with locally advanced cervical cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate self-reported quality of life (QOL) and sexuality of women with locally advanced cervical cancer, prior to treatment with chemoradiotherapy. Methods and sample: Baseline data from a longitudinal study was used. Patients recruited through a Norwegian hospital completed The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ)-C30 and QLQCX24 in order to assess their quality of life and sexuality. A quantitative analysis was conducted in order to test if there were statistically significant differences between 138 women with locally advanced cervical cancer and the Norwegian general population (GP), using findings from EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24. The functional items sexual activity and sexual enjoyment from EORTC QLQ-CX24 was compared to a Dutch GP. Results: There was a small clinical difference on the emotional functioning scale compared to the Norwegian GP. The symptoms insomnia and appetite loss were reported to be significantly higher than the GP, with a small to moderate clinical difference. These women also scored significantly lower on sexual activity compared to the Dutch GP. Conclusions: With the knowledge of the existence of extensive side- and late effects we see the importance and need of early intervention in order to optimise the course of treatment for these women. Usage of QOL-measurements at baseline can be a contributing factor to help prevent future health problems.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate self-reported quality of life (QOL) and sexuality of women with locally advanced cervical cancer, prior to treatment with chemoradiotherapy. Methods and sample: Baseline data from a longitudinal study was used. Patients recruited through a Norwegian hospital completed The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ)-C30 and QLQCX24 in order to assess their quality of life and sexuality. A quantitative analysis was conducted in order to test if there were statistically significant differences between 138 women with locally advanced cervical cancer and the Norwegian general population (GP), using findings from EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24. The functional items sexual activity and sexual enjoyment from EORTC QLQ-CX24 was compared to a Dutch GP. Results: There was a small clinical difference on the emotional functioning scale compared to the Norwegian GP. The symptoms insomnia and appetite loss were reported to be significantly higher than the GP, with a small to moderate clinical difference. These women also scored significantly lower on sexual activity compared to the Dutch GP. Conclusions: With the knowledge of the existence of extensive side- and late effects we see the importance and need of early intervention in order to optimise the course of treatment for these women. Usage of QOL-measurements at baseline can be a contributing factor to help prevent future health problems.