Quality of Life and its Related Factors Among Iranian Cervical Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the main cause of malignancy-related death among women living in developing countries. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) among Iranian cervical cancer survivors and its relationships with demographic and disease related factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS A descriptive correlational study was carried out on 65 consecutive cervical cancer survivors in three different oncology centers related to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. The QOL was evaluated using three different standard questionnaires: 1) EORTC QLQ-C30 for patients with malignant tumors; 2) EORTC QLQ-CX24 for cervical cancer patients; and 3) SSQ for assessing the social support. The data was obtained by telephone interviews. The test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the scales were examined. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess internal consistency among items. Content validity was assessed to review the scales. RESULTS Cervical cancer survivors stated a good QOL. However, its score was negatively associated with symptoms including short breathing, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, sleep disorders, peripheral neuropathy, and menopausal symptoms. Also, there was a positive association between QOL and economic conditions as well as QOL and social functioning. CONCLUSIONS Although, the QOL in cervical cancer survivors was good, treatment of related symptoms can influence the QOL and improve the care of these patients.