A qualitative exploration of physical and psychosocial well‐being in the short and long term after treatments for cervical cancer

Abstract

Objective Cervical cancer is predominantly a cancer of younger women, and improvements in oncological outcomes have led to an increase in cervical cancer survivors living with the long‐term effects of treatment. Understanding the recovery process after treatment is essential to increase awareness of the short‐ and long‐term needs of survivors. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the recovery process and return to daily activity of cervical cancers survivors from a biopsychosocial perspective. Methods Participants were 21 women treated for cervical cancer between the ages of 18 and 60 years, living in the United Kingdom. Interviews were undertaken face to face and via the telephone using a semi‐structured interview schedule. Results Data analysis revealed themes which represented participants' experience and perceptions of treatment as a paradox; emotional needs after treatment; and a journey of adversarial growth. A key finding from this analysis was the nuanced experiences between treatment modalities, with physical changes perceived to be more disruptive following radical treatments, whilst psychological repercussions were significant regardless of treatment type. Conclusion This study provides novel insight into the varied recovery experiences of those treated with surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer, which can be used to improve the survivorship experience.

Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Needs among Hispanic Women Living on the US-Mexico Border

“…The participants in this study expressed a desire to stay busy and get back to a normal routine (or establish a new normal) as part of their self-care, which was a common theme in other studies (Millet, Moss, et al, 2022;Shinan-Altman et al, 2022). Participants also practiced self-care by developing an exercise routine and healthy diet, which is associated with positive physical and psychological health outcomes for cancer survivors and can result in improvements in fatigue and sexual functioning (Kaushik et al, 2021;Millet, McDermott, et al, 2022). Sun et al (2021) reports that protective factors and benefit-finding experiences such as these (spirituality, finding strength, optimism, and hope through adversity, keeping active, etc.)…”

“…Despite the challenges these women faced and the obstacles they had to overcome during and long after their treatment, they also demonstrated an incredible resilience and a concept that has been defined as posttraumatic growth (Millet, Moss, et al, 2022;Zhou et al, 2021). Research has characterized posttraumatic growth in survivors of gynecological cancers as a renewed appreciation for life, personal strength and empowerment, transformative cognitive shift, and spiritual change (Levkovich et al, 2022;Millet, Moss, et al, 2022). For example, spiritual well-being and keeping faith in God were found to be an important aspect of self-care for the women who participated in this study.…”

“…In addition, the process of diagnosis was scary and anxiety provoking for many participants, which was only exacerbated by healthcare professionals' mishandling of the situation. Research demonstrates that many cervical cancer patients could benefit from healthcare professionals delivering diagnoses with support, empathy, and helpful information (Millet, Moss, et al, 2022). This research results from the discovery that some health providers exhibit a lack of empathy and patience when explaining the screening process and dealing with sensitive procedures (Sethi et al, 2021).…”

Prescription of hormone replacement therapy among cervical cancer patients with treatment-induced premature menopause

“…The median age of patients with cervical cancer is 50 years1 and, of the 13 000 patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer in the USA each year,2 approximately 50% are pre-menopausal 2 3. While some younger patients may be candidates for fertility-sparing treatment options, primary therapy for cervical cancer most commonly involves either hysterectomy, often in combination with bilateral oophorectomy, or primary chemoradiation 4 5. Both treatments result in estrogen deprivation through surgical menopause or ovarian ablation, respectively.…”

“…As the incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer have declined due to widespread screening and improved treatment options,6 7 there is a growing recognition of the impact that cervical cancer treatments may have on patients’ quality of life and overall health 5. Premature menopause results in symptomatic sequelae as well as potential long-term consequences such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and neurological and cognitive disorders 4 5. The abrupt decrease in estrogen also causes vasomotor symptoms, mood and sleep disorders, and vulvovaginal symptoms 8…”