A longitudinal study to assess quality of life in cervical cancer patients before and after cancer-directed treatment

Background: Cervical cancer is world’s one of the most deadly but easily preventable cancers of women. Diagnosis and treatment is emotionally traumatic and results in psychosexual sequelae-affecting quality of life (QoL). The present study was conceptualized as Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu is already reporting these cancers to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and it was thought that a QoL study would help us in getting fair idea about their QoL as well. Objectives: To assess and compare QoL of cervical cancer patients before and after completion of cancer-directed treatment (CDT). Materials and Methods: The present longitudinal study was conducted in Government Medical College which is a tertiary care hospital in Jammu. All newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer over a period of 6 months were included in the study. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaire (QLQ) C-30 (general) and EORTC CX-24 (specific) questionnaires were used to assess QoL. The data was analyzed using computer software Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 17. A scoring algorithm recommended by EORTC was used. Pre- and post-mean scores were compared by the use of paired t-test. Pre- and post-Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was also calculated. Results: Stage III was the most common stage diagnosed followed by Stage II. Regarding QLQ C-30, the mean scores across all domains showed statistically significant worsening of QoL from baseline. The worsening was more severe in emotional and social functioning. Regarding, Global health status and EORTC QLQ CX-24 questionnaire all items also showed worsening of QoL from their baseline values. Conclusion: QoL of cervical cancer patients showed worsening after CDT in all domains due to acute and subacute adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the course of treatment.