Comorbidity in Disease-Free Survivors of Cervical Cancer Compared with the General Female Population

Vol. 74, No. 3-4, 2008

Free Abstract Article (Fulltext) Article (PDF 200 KB)

Clinical Study

Comorbidity in Disease-Free Survivors of Cervical Cancer Compared with the General Female Population
Dong Wook Shin^a, Joo Hyun Nam^c, Yong Chul Kwon^a, Sang Yoon Park^b, Duk-Soo Bae^d, Chong Taik Park^f, Chi-Heum Cho^g, Jong Min Lee^e, Sang Min Park^a, Young Ho Yun^a

^aNational Cancer Control Research Institute and Hospital, and
^bCenter for Uterine Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
^cAsan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine,
^dSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine,
^eEast-West Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University, and
^fKangnam Cha Hospital, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Seoul, and
^gDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea

Address of Corresponding Author

Oncology 2008;74:207-215 (DOI: 10.1159/000151368)

Key Words

Cervical cancer
Comorbidity
Disease-free survivor
Quality of life

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of comorbidities in cervical cancer survivors compared with the general population and to identify risk factors and impact on their quality of life (QoL). Methods: 860 female cervical cancer survivors enrolled at six tertiary hospitals and 994 women from the general population were surveyed on current comorbidities and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24). Results: Compared with the general female population, the cervical cancer survivors reported higher prevalence of comorbidities (0.93 ± 2.91 vs. 0.37 ± 0.67, p < 0.01), significantly more heart disease (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38–5.07), liver disease (aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.54–7.02), hypertension (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.30–2.27), gastrointestinal disease (aOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37–2.33) and musculoskeletal disease (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.45–2.59). Heart and renal disease significantly influenced QoL in many subscales. Patients with diabetes or cerebrovascular disease had an increased likelihood of sexual problems. Conclusions: The cervical cancer survivors had more comorbidities than the general population, and that in turn affected their QoL. Vigilant follow-up of comorbidities should be incorporated into in the care of cancer survivors.

Author Contacts

Young Ho Yun, MD, PhD
National Cancer Control Research Institute and Hospital
National Cancer Center, 809 Madu-dong, Ilsan-gu
Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 411-769 (Korea)
Tel. +82 31 920 1705, Fax +82 31 920 2199, E-Mail lawyun08@ncc.re.kr

Article Information

D.W.S. and J.H.N. contributed equally as first authors.

Received: January 2, 2008
Accepted after revision: April 1, 2008
Published online: August 20, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 9
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 47

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