Cervical cancer survivorship: long-term quality of life and social support.

Abstract:

PURPOSE:Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of cervical cancer treatment. Many patients receive multiple treatment modalities, each with its own long-term effects. Given the high 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer patients, evaluation and improvement of long-term quality of life are essential. METHODS:Pertinent articles were identified through searches of PubMed for literature published from 1993 to 2014. We summarize quality of life data from long-term follow-up studies of cervical cancer patients. We additionally summarize small group interviews of Hispanic and non-Hispanic cervical cancer survivors regarding social support and coping. FINDINGS:Data are varied in terms of the long-term impact of treatment on quality of life, but consistent in suggesting that patients who receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment have the highest risk of increased long-term dysfunction of bladder and bowel, as well as sexual dysfunction and psychosocial consequences. Rigorous investigations regarding long-term consequences of treatment modalities are lacking. IMPLICATIONS:Continued work to improve treatment outcomes and survival should also include a focus on reducing adverse long-term side effects. Providing supportive care during treatment and evaluating the effects of supportive care can reduce the prevalence and magnitude of long-term sequelae of cervical cancer, which will in turn improve quality of life and quality of care.

journal_name

Clin Ther

journal_title

Clinical therapeutics

authors

Pfaendler KS,Wenzel L,Mechanic MB,Penner KR

doi

10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.11.013

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

2015-01-01 00:00:00

pages

39-48

issue

1

eissn

0149-2918

issn

1879-114X

pii

S0149-2918(14)00806-6

journal_volume

37

pub_type

杂志文章,评审