The Experience of Cervical Cancer Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Due to different social and cultural backgrounds, cervical cancer patients’ experience of the treatment process and quality of life after treatment will be different. This study sought to gain in-depth understanding of the experiences of Chinese cervical cancer patients as regards their quality of life and physical symptoms. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. We recruited 15 women with cervical cancer in eastern China for in-depth interviews. All data were entered into the NVivo 12 software program for analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (a) uncertainty; (b) physical suffering; (c) psychological pressure; and (d) challenges of marriage and family. Discussion: Cervical cancer patients showed concerns about the disease itself and the physical discomfort it causes, as well as changes in social relations. Health professionals need to talk about these issues and develop strategies to address them accordingly.