Quality of life in cervical cancer survivors: patient and provider perspectives on common complications of cervical cancer and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study's objective was to quantify the impact (utility) of common complications of early cervical cancer treatment on quality of life (QOL). Utilities assigned by survivors were compared to those assigned by providers.

METHODS

30 survivors of early cervical cancer identified from our Tumor Registry and 10 gynecologic oncology providers were interviewed. Participants evaluated complications (health states) using the standard gamble (SG) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Each participant was randomly assigned to rate 5 of 13 health states. Mixed-effects linear models were used to generate confidence intervals for utility means, and evaluate the effect of group (survivors versus providers). Higher utilities indicate the health state is closer to perfect health.

RESULTS

Survivors and providers mean ages were similar (44 and 40). Mean time from diagnosis was 6.7 years. 28 of 30 survivors had no evidence of disease. 56% of survivors had complications. Using SG, providers consistently assigned utilities 7% higher than survivors (p=0.035) for all health states except "ileostomy", which survivors rated higher than providers. Survivors assigned the lowest utility to small bowel obstruction (SBO) (fixable without an ostomy) and ureteral obstruction (UO). Survivors rated SBO 16% and UO 21% lower than providers. Personal history of complications or higher stage did not have a consistent effect on QOL adjustments.

DISCUSSION: Providers assign higher utilities than survivors to health states. Providers and survivors diverge on which complications impact QOL the most. Data on patient preferences should be considered when weighing treatment options with similar survival but different associated complications.