SEXUAL FUNCTIONING & QUALITY OF LIFE
IN CERVICAL CANCER SURVIVORS AFTER SURGERY
AND RADIOTHERAPY
ABSTRACT--
Introduction: Radiotherapy is the main modality in the management of cervix cancer. Sexual
functions are affected due to post radiotherapy vaginal stenosis and reduced mucosal
secretion after radiotherapy.
Purpose of the study was to compare Sexual functioning and quality of life in cervical cancer
survivors treated with either surgery or radiotherapy.
Methods: Women coming to department of radiotherapy from
September 2011 to march 2013 were interviewed at least 1 year after initial treatment for cervical cancer.
Eligible women had squamous cell tumors FIGO I&II at diagnosis, were currently disease-free,
and had either undergone surgery or radiotherapy, but not both.
The two treatment groups were then compared using univariate analysis and multivariate linear
regression with a control group of age- and race-matched women with no history of cancer. Total 105
women were selected, Patients consent & institutional approval was taken
Results: Total 105 women (35 surgeries, 35 radiotherapies, 35
controls) were included for analysis. When compared using EORTC QLQ-CX24 Questionnaire with surgery patients and
controls, radiation patients had significantly poorer scores on standardized questionnaires measuring
health-related quality of life (physical and mental health), and sexual functioning. The disparity in sexual
function remained significant in radiation patients. There were no significant differences between radical
hysterectomy patients and controls on outcome measures.
Conclusion:Cervical cancer survivors treated with
radiotherapy had worse sexual functioning than did those treated with radical hysterectomy and lymph node
dissection. Appropriate measures like Pelvic exercises, Yoga, vaginal dilators, vaginal cream should be used to
decrease radiotherapy related side effects on sexual functioning. Cervical cancer survivors
treated with surgery alone can expect overall quality of life and sexual function not unlike that of peers
without a history of cancer.
Keywords: Carcinoma cervix, radiotherapy, quality of life.
INTRODUCTION
Most common cancer in Indian females, with 1.82 lakh new cases are detected every year, and nearly 73,000 women
are dying of cervical cancer every year1.India represents 26.4 per cent of all women dying of
cervical cancer globally2. Radiotherapy is the main modality in the management . Surgery is effective in
earlier stages of ca cervix, but in India usually patients come in late stages
when surgical intervention is not possible, at that time patients are treated by radiotherapy.3
Radiotherapy- EBRT 50 Gy in 25 fractions followed by brachytherapy 700cGy/fractions/Week Brachytherapy
(BT) Complications of RT include
1. Small bowel complications (obstruction, bleeding, stricture, fistulae, perforation)
3. Vaginal atrophy, shortening, vaginal stenosis and reduced mucosal secretion
4. Uterine perforation(rarely in brachytherapy) 4,5
Surgery includes Radical hysterectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection with accompanying
oophorectomy.
Complications includes blood loss, febrile morbidity, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Traditionally, oncologists have focused their efforts on maximizing the overall survival of
their patients. Although many oncologists acknowledge that QOL after
cancer therapy is an important aspect of patient care, it is often not the main consideration when
recommending cancer treatment.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the study was to compare Sexual functioning & Quality of life in cervical cancer survivors
treated with either surgery or radiotherapy.
METHODS
Women coming to department of radiotherapy from September 2011 to march 2013 were selected for study at least 1
year after initial treatment for cervical cancer.
Total 105 women were selected for the study; 35 women after surgery, 35 women after radiotherapy and 35 normal
women with no history of cancer. Patient consent was taken and approval of institutional ethical committee was
taken.
Inclusion criteria for subject was include Squamous cell tumors, FIGO I & IIa at diagnosis, Currently
diseasefree, 25 to 48 yrs of Age and had either undergone surgery or radiotherapy, but not both.
Exclusion criteria for subject was includes Histology other than Squamous cell ca.; Age more than
48 yrs; No follow up; FIGO stage IIb, III, IV; Concurrent chemoradiotherpy; Recurrent disease; and
if treated by both radiotherapy and surgery. Women with FIGO stage I & II A tumors are equally
good candidates for either surgical management or radiotherapy (Table 1).
In these situations, the clinical decision is often based on patient or provider preference
The two treatment groups were then compared with a control group of age and race matched women with no history
of cancer. Women coming with patients as attendees were selected for control group.
�The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core
30� (EORTC QLQ-C30) was the instrument used to measure the quality of life of cancer
patients.
This includes the scales of Physical, Emotional and Social health of wide scale of cancer
patients. This questionnaire includes five functional scales, three symptom scales.
EORTC QLQ-Cx 24- Questionnaire, for cervical cancer patients was used only as a supplement to
EORTCQLQ-C30. It includes 24 questions regarding the symptoms related to urinary tract,
gastro-intestinal tract, vaginal problems and sexual activity of patients.
RESULTS
Patients were surveyed with the questionnaires for the assessment of the quality of Life. Patients answered
the questions in the questionnaire after surgery and radiotherapy.
The answers were scored by student paired t test and after processing they were objectified in the
form of results
The general results of(Table 2) QLQ-QOL CX24 for the patients after surgery and radiotherapy. Sexual and
vaginal function impairment was more in Radiotherapy arm(92v/s17, p<0.0001). Sexual worry was more in
radiotherapy arm (55 v/s 36,<0.0001).Sexual activity and Sexual enjoyment decreased significantly in
radiotherapy group (33 vs60,p<0.0001)(32v/s60,p<0.0001)
compared to control and surgery group. Lymphedema (p=0.0001)was significantly more in RT
group. Menopause was significant in both RT(p<0.0001) and Surgery (p<0.0009).Physical function
(p=0.03)and emotional function (p=0.009)significantly decreased in RT group
compared to surgery and control. Peripheral neuropathy and body image disturbance was not
significant in both arms.
DISCUSSION
Irradiated patients had significantly more sexual dysfunction than women in the other two groups. These
findings agree with the previous studies done by Jensenet al11.Chronic fibrotic changes in pelvic tissue
after radiotherapy create persistent, or even worsening vaginal atrophy12.Patients with radical
hysterectomy did not differ in sexual functioning from age- and race-matched
control. This finding is in accord with a previous study by Jensen et al, who also found no significant
difference in overall sexual function between women post hysterectomy and healthy controls. Pelvic
exercises, virginals intercourse after treatment, yoga strengthen the pelvic floor and flexibility can be
very helpful, vaginal dilators and vibrators, Vaginal cream, Moisturizer cream, K-Y jelly13 coating of
natural oils like vitamin E or safflower, coconut or olive oil three or four times a day for a month
should be used to decrease radiotherapy related side effects on sexual functioning.
CONCLUSION
Cervical cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy had worse sexual functioning than did
those treated with radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection. Measures required to improve vaginal
functions. Future research is needed to improve quality of life and sexual functioning by improving
radiation delivery techniques and reducing radiation exposure to normal structures.
