lived experience of women impacted by cervical cancer

Abstract

Background: One of the deadliest forms of cancer for women in the world, cervical cancer can be easily avoided. The emotional trauma of cervical cancer's diagnosis and treatment leads to psychosexual aftereffects that have an impact on quality of life (QoL). As the number of cervical cancer survivors has increased, quality of life has grown in importance as a factor in social, psychological, and physical survival as well as a key element of health. Aim(s): This research aims to explore the experience of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in terms of its impact on physical, psychological and social health aspects. Methods: Cervical cancer survivors were targeted. Eleven women who experienced changes in their physical, psychological and social health in oncology hospitals in Baghdad city had participated in a semi-structured interview to further understand their experience. Qualitative data is analyzed using Giorgi’s approach. Results: Participants reported a significant impact of cancer and its management line on their physical, psychological and social health. Conclusions: The psychosocial health needs of cervical cancer survivors are often left behind.cancer