Women's lived experiences of advanced cervical cancer: a descriptive qualitative study

To explore the lived experiences of women with advanced incurable cervical cancer attending a palliative care service in Uganda.

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.

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.

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.