WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Nikhilesh Andhi, K. Vidyakiran, A. Ajay, K. Likitha and K. Sneha

ABSTRACT

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the management of cervical cancer by chemotherapy and to provide health education for women attending oncology OPD. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in oncology department of tertiary care hospital. The data was collected from the out-patient and in-patient department after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria for a period of 6 months and a total of 160 patients were analyzed with data collection form by interviewing the patients about the Socio- demographic questionnaire, EORTC scale for the evaluation of symptoms and QOL (Quality of life). Statistical tools like Chi-square test were applied to the data by using SPSS software. Result: In a total of 160 cervical cancer patients, majority of cervical cancer patients were under age group of 50-60 years (50%), illiterates (81.25%), menopausal (93.75%) loco- regional spread (91%) and having post vaginal bleeding(30%). Higher number of patients were treated with cisplatin. Among the platinum co-ordination complexes like cisplatin (90.6%) were commonly prescribed, carboplatin (6.25%), paclitaxel(3.16%) was only used for metastatic cancer. The results of our study showed that different health education methods (such as calls, mother/daughter education, educational brochures, face to face interviews) are effective in modifying cervical cancer screening behaviour of women. The Educational message focused on the importance of receiving vaccine and sexually transmitted infections, regular screening, overcoming the side effects of chemotherapy such as metallic taste produced by use of cisplatin overcome by chewing the sugar free gums. Conclusion: Cervical cancer occurs over age 30 and commonly seen in Postmenopausal women. The present study showed that the cisplatin is effective for the treatment of cervical cancer. Different interventions like limiting number of sexual partners, increase in condom use, reduce cigarette smoking, vaccination against high-risk HPV, delay first sexual intercourse until the late teens, avoid using birth control pills and health behaviour changes provides an effective base for cervical cancer prevention. To further improve QOL of patients interventions focusing on social and psychological support and physical rehabilitation may be needed.