The impact of surgery for vulval cancer upon health-related quality of life and pelvic floor outcomes during the first year of treatment: a longitudinal, mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To measure the long-term impact of surgical treatment for vulval cancer upon health-related quality of life and pelvic floor outcomes during the first year of therapy.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal, mixed-methods study. Twenty-three women aged >18 years with a new diagnosis of vulval cancer were recruited. The EORTC QLQ C30, SF-36 and an electronic pelvic floor assessment questionnaire (ePAQ-PF) were administered at baseline (pre-treatment) and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-treatment. Mixed effects repeated measures models (all adjusted for age and BMI) were used to investigate changes over time and differences between cancer stage. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 11 of the women and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

Mean age was 59.9

SUBMITTER: Jones GL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5054883 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature