"Survivorship in Women Undergoing Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment in Upper Egypt: The Impact of Quality of Life Improvement Educational Program"

Research Abstract

Background: Quality of life data, in cancer care, have played а crucial role in the selection of therapeutic agents that have become the standard of care. However, the dramatic increase in the number of survivors living, five years post-diagnosis of breast and gynecological cancer, benefits related to quality of life have not been achieved. Quality of life issue is of interest in oncology because effective modern methods of treatment and detection have led to an increase in the number of long-term survivors. Aim: assess the effectiveness of an educational program on quality of life improvement in women undergoing treatment for gynecological and breast cancer. Study design: Α quasi-experimental study design. Sample and settings: Α randomly selected sample of 100 women diagnosed with gynaecologic and breast cancer that attended the oncology institute Tool: Α structured interview questionnaire included Female Sexual Function Index, Cancer-Specific Stress, and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Results: Quality of life of the studied women with breast and gynecological cancer have been improved under the influence of educational program and this improvement has not been only related to the total score of the quality of life but also has occurred in physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being subscales. Conclusion: The educational program showed evidence of improved quality of life, with a reduction in the sexual dysfunction, and lower stress levels. Recommendations: Based on findings of the current study, it is suggested to heighten awareness and knowledge about the breast and gynecologic cancer treatment-related side effects among the nursing staff.

Research Keywords

Survivorship, Gynecological Cancer, Breast Cancer, Sexual Dysfunction, Quality of Life.