Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women with Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pelvic floor dysfunction is frequently associated with cervical cancer treatment; however, their baseline prevalence at diagnosis is unknown. This study aimed to investigate pelvic floor dysfunction in newly diagnosed cervical cancer, before oncologic treatment.

Cross-sectional analysis of women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer at a single institution in Brazil. Participants answered a structured interview and the FSFI questionnaire and underwent a pelvic floor structured physical examination. Analyses were performed in RStudio.

A total of 48 women were included, 19/48 (39.6%) with early-stage and 29/48 (60.4%) with locally advanced cervical cancer. Groups were similar in sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics. Sexual dysfunction was observed in 27/48 (56%) participants. Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance were comparable between groups, with a median Oxford Scale score of 3 (2-4) and endurance of 5 s. Urinary incontinence was present in 25/48 (52%) participants, while fecal incontinence occurred only in 1/48 (5.3%).

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer. Early recognition is crucial to differentiate pre-existing from treatment-induced dysfunction and to guide prehabilitation and rehabilitation strategies that may improve quality of life.