[CERVICAL CANCER REHABILITATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY]

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Cervical cancer treatment can lead to significant long-term side effects impacting patients' quality of life.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are crucial for managing post-treatment sequelae in gynecologic oncology patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured rehabilitation program on the quality of life in women treated for cervical cancer.
• To assess the program's impact on physical complications, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and return to work.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 93 women treated for cervical cancer, divided into a rehabilitation (experimental) group and a standard care (control) group.
• Assessment included questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30), physical examinations, laboratory tests, and cognitive function tests (Moka test).
• Key outcomes measured were lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and employment status.

Main Results:

• The rehabilitation group showed significantly lower rates of lower limb lymphedema (2.1% vs 19.1%) and deep vein thrombosis (15.22% vs 44.7%).
• Cognitive function improved (Moka score 26.85 vs 24.02), and subjective cognitive impairment, anxiety (7.02 vs 11.02), and depression (7.69 vs 12.43) levels were significantly reduced in the experimental group.
• Quality of life, socialization, and employment rates (76.0% vs 36.2%) were significantly higher in the rehabilitation group, with lower fatigue levels.

Conclusions:

• A structured rehabilitation program offers substantial benefits for gynecologic oncology patients post-treatment.
• The program effectively mitigates physical complications, enhances emotional and cognitive well-being, and improves overall quality of life and return to work capacity.