Helen Bowes1, Georgina Jones2, Joanne Thompson3, Mo'iad Alazzam4, Hilary Wood5, Sharron Hinchliff6, William Ledger7, John Tidy4. 1. University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK. 2. Health Economics & Decision Science, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. Electronic address: g.l.jones@sheffield.ac.uk. 3. Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK. 4. UPMC Beacon Hospital, Dublin 18, Ireland. 5. Health Economics & Decision Science, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. 6. School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK. 7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2031, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: (1) To determine the impact of treatment and recovery on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of endometrial cancer (EC) patients. (2) To explore how treatment types and delivery affect HRQoL and invite suggestions for improvement. METHODS: Qualitative study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews at 3, 6, 9 or 12 months post-treatment were carried out with 22 women with stage IA to IVB EC who had undergone treatment at a tertiary referral centre for gynaecological cancers in Sheffield, UK. 21 were treated surgically and 4 received adjuvant treatment. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Four dominant themes emerged regarding the treatment pathway: pre-treatment concerns, experience during treatment, post-treatment and survivorship issues. Expectations and understandings of EC and its treatment were often inaccurate. Proper explanations eased anxiety but were uncommon. Laparoscopic surgery was welcomed where offered but did not necessarily influence coping ability. Instead, women evaluated treatment impacts against their expectations. Treatments affected women's physical abilities, self-perception and relationships resulting in re-evaluation of lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of treatment upon HRQoL for women with EC differs from other gynaecological cancers. Better information provision would enhance coping ability. Coping methods and expectations appear to influence HRQoL more than treatment modality.
PURPOSE: (1) To determine the impact of treatment and recovery on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of endometrial cancer (EC) patients. (2) To explore how treatment types and delivery affect HRQoL and invite suggestions for improvement. METHODS: Qualitative study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews at 3, 6, 9 or 12 months post-treatment were carried out with 22 women with stage IA to IVB EC who had undergone treatment at a tertiary referral centre for gynaecological cancers in Sheffield, UK. 21 were treated surgically and 4 received adjuvant treatment. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Four dominant themes emerged regarding the treatment pathway: pre-treatment concerns, experience during treatment, post-treatment and survivorship issues. Expectations and understandings of EC and its treatment were often inaccurate. Proper explanations eased anxiety but were uncommon. Laparoscopic surgery was welcomed where offered but did not necessarily influence coping ability. Instead, women evaluated treatment impacts against their expectations. Treatments affected women's physical abilities, self-perception and relationships resulting in re-evaluation of lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of treatment upon HRQoL for women with EC differs from other gynaecological cancers. Better information provision would enhance coping ability. Coping methods and expectations appear to influence HRQoL more than treatment modality.