Health-Related Quality of Life and Sexual Dysfunction in Cervical Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study

Maninderdeep Kaur; Bhavana Rai; Bhim Singh Singh; Garima Khatri; Kashsih Kashish; Monika Thakur; Rashim Sharma; Ramanjot Kaur; Chandandeep Kaur; Ashok Kumar; Sukhpal Kaur

doi:10.31557/apjcc.2026.11.3.329-337

Authors

Maninderdeep Kaur Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Bhavana Rai Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Bhim Singh Singh Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Garima Khatri Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Kashsih Kashish Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Monika Thakur Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Rashim Sharma Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Ramanjot Kaur
Chandandeep Kaur Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Ashok Kumar Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Sukhpal Kaur Department of National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandiagrh, India except for Bhavana Rai, Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Eduaction & Research, Chandigarh, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcc.2026.11.3.329-337

Keywords:

Cervical cancer survivors; Quality of life; Sexual function

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in India. The disease and its treatment significantly affect the survivor’s quality of life and sexual health. The current study aims to determine the quality of life and sexual function after the treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 100 cervical cancer survivors who were sexually active prior to the diagnosis. Quality of life and sexual functioning were assessed using three questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), cervical Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-CX24), and the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ 14-F). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis.

Results: The overall quality of life score was 64.4 (SD 18.6). However, physical functioning was affected as compared to the functional domains of QoL. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 98.9% among the survivors. Sexuality, in terms of pleasure, desire, arousal, and orgasm was low among the survivors. However, sexual pleasure, desire, and orgasm were more problematic in postmenopausal patients. (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Overall QoL was improved after the completion of the cancer treatment and also its functional domains did not deteriorate. However, sexuality was impaired in these patients. These results highlight the critical need for comprehensive survivorship care, especially for postmenopausal patients, which involves routine evaluation and treatment of physical and sexual health issues. For cervical cancer survivors, routine follow-up that includes counseling and sexual health rehabilitation may enhance their quality of life and long-term well-being.