EVALUATION OF CHANGES IN FUNCTIONAL AND EMOTIONAL STATUS IN CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING BRACHYTHERAPY

Hường Trần Thị Thu, Hường Nguyễn Thị Thu, Loan Hà Thị Thanh

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Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate changes in functional and emotional status in cervical cancer patients before and after brachytherapy at K Hospital. Research subjects and methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 99 cervical cancer patients treated with brachytherapy from September 2022 to September 2023. Functional and emotional status were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at admission, one month, and three months after treatment. Scores were calculated and standardized on a 0–100 scale according to EORTC guidelines. Results: Patients experienced significant impairment in functional and emotional status one month after treatment (mean standardized scores of 49.44 ± 19.68 and 54.37 ± 14.93, respectively), compared to baseline. However, both functional and emotional status significantly improved at three months post-treatment (mean standardized scores of 35.14 ± 13.63 and 19.44 ± 11.40, respectively), indicating substantial recovery. Conclusion: Brachytherapy significantly impacts the functional and emotional status of cervical cancer patients shortly after treatment; however, patients demonstrate good recovery after three months. Comprehensive supportive care should be emphasized to enhance patients' quality of life.

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References

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