Women's lived experiences of advanced cervical cancer: a descriptive qualitative study. (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Natuhwera, Germans; Ellis, Peter; Acuda, Stanley Wilson
• Is Part Of: International journal of palliative nursing. Volume 27:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 462
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Experiences -- Cancer of cervix -- Palliative care -- Advanced cancer; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2021.27.9.450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-6321

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To explore the lived experiences of women with advanced incurable cervical cancer attending a palliative care service in Uganda. Methods: This qualitative and exploratory study was conducted at Mobile Hospice Mbarara in South Western Uganda. The target population was a convenience sample of all patients with a confirmed histological diagnosis of advanced cervical cancer; stage 2B to 4B, and clinically advanced disease. Demographic data were collected prior to conducting semi-structured audio-taped interviews. Transcripts were read and re-read, coded and codes were then abstracted into emergent broad-based meaningful themes by consensus. Results: A total of 10 participants, average age of 53.4, age range 40–71, cancer staging 2B to 4 and average duration of illness 3.5 years were interviewed. Six themes emerged from the data: socio-demographic profiles of the women; road to cancer diagnosis; effects of disease on women's quality of life; experiences with main stream medicine; adapting to having cancer and needs of the women. Conclusions: Living with advanced incurable cervical cancer is associated with significant disruptions in all domains of life. Good palliative care enables patients to achieve an optimal quality life. Poverty and a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer among women and health workers are the strongest predictors of a patient receiving a late advanced diagnosis.