Life after Treatment: A Comparative Study of Quality of life among Cervical and Female Oral Cavity Cancer Survivors

Authors

K Rakshitha Gowda Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nallurahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Chaitali Ashutosh Gore Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nallurahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Keywords:

Cervical cancer, Oral cavity cancer, Quality of life, Comparative study, Functional and Raw scores, Cancer Survivorship.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, while oral cavity cancer is the leading head and neck cancer. Advances in treatment have improved survival rates, but the long-term side effects significantly impact survivors’ quality of life (QoL). Understanding and comparing these impacts is crucial for post-treatment care.

Objective: This study aims to assess and compare the QoL of cervical and female oral cavity cancer survivors, identifying the most affected dimensions of their well-being.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, involving 72 female cancer survivors (36 cervical, 36 oral cavity). QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, along with disease-specific modules (Cx24 for cervical cancer, OH-14 and H&N-35 for oral cavity cancer). Statistical analysis included independent sample t-tests, Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and ANOVA.

Results: Oral cavity cancer survivors exhibited significantly lower physical functioning (85.97 vs. 91.52, p = 0.047), role functioning (p = 0.024), and emotional functioning (p = 0.043) compared to cervical cancer survivors. Fatigue (p = 0.025), pain (p = 0.001), and diarrhea (p < 0.001) were significantly worse in oral cavity cancer survivors. The analysis of disease-specific QoL modules revealed that the oral cavity cancer survivors had more challenges with swallowing, speech, social eating, and pain management, whereas cervical cancer survivors faced significant issues with menopausal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, and sexual well-being.

Conclusion: Survivors of oral cavity cancer experience a greater decline in QoL compared to cervical cancer survivors, particularly in physical and emotional domains. These findings emphasize the need for tailored post-treatment interventions to address the specific challenges faced by each group, improving long-term survivorship outcomes.