Continued monitoring and improvement of the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 116 views

Assessing the Quality of Life of Gynecological Cancer Patients at H. Adam Malik Hospital: A Study Using the Fact-G Questionnaire

Introduction

Gynecological cancer is a disease that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the sufferer. Not only the success of treatment measured by the survival rate of 5 years, but also how the quality of life of the patient after treatment. The late handling of gynecological cancer can cause high morbidity and adversely affect the quality of life. Understanding the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients is crucial in providing effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan after undergoing therapy.

Background

Gynecological cancer is a type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system, including the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and vagina. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gynecological cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The quality of life of gynecological cancer patients is a critical aspect of cancer care, as it affects not only the patient's physical health but also their emotional and psychological well-being.

Methodology

This study was conducted to assess the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan after undergoing therapy. Data was collected from 47 patients who visited the Gynecological Oncology Clinic in the period May to October 2015. Patient data was taken from the medical record and the Fact-G questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. The Fact-G questionnaire is a widely used tool to assess the quality of life of cancer patients, as it evaluates various aspects of their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Results

The results showed that the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan, in general, was classified as good. Even so, some physical and emotional complaints are still found. The results of this study highlight the importance of assessing the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients, as it can provide valuable insights into their needs and preferences.

Factors Affecting Quality of Life

Based on the results of the study, it was found that:

*** The quality of life of patients with endometrial cancer ** is better than other types of gynecological cancer. *** Patients undergoing radiation therapy ** showed a higher quality of life compared to other therapeutic modalities. *** Patients who undergo therapy for more than 6 months ** have a better quality of life than patients with shorter therapy duration. *** Patients with initial stage ** have a better quality of life than patients with advanced stages.

Although found differences in quality of life based on the type of cancer, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic duration, and disease stage, the difference is not statistically significant (P> 0.05). This result suggests that the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients is influenced by various factors, including the type of cancer, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic duration, and disease stage.

Conclusion

**The conclusion of this study is the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in general. ** Even so, it is important to continue to monitor and improve the quality of life of patients through a holistic approach which includes treatment, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation. The development of educational and counseling programs for gynecological cancer patients is also needed to increase their knowledge and understanding of diseases and treatment, and encourage them to seek the help and support needed. By dealing with holistic gynecological cancer, it is expected to improve the patient's overall quality of life.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued monitoring and improvement of the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients through a holistic approach which includes treatment, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation.
Development of educational and counseling programs for gynecological cancer patients to increase their knowledge and understanding of diseases and treatment, and encourage them to seek the help and support needed.
Further research is needed to investigate the factors affecting the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients and to develop effective interventions to improve their quality of life.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited number of samples: The study was conducted with a limited number of patients, which may not be representative of the larger population of gynecological cancer patients.
Relatively short research time: The study was conducted over a relatively short period, which may not be sufficient to capture the full range of factors affecting the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on:

Investigating the factors affecting the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients and developing effective interventions to improve their quality of life.
Developing educational and counseling programs for gynecological cancer patients to increase their knowledge and understanding of diseases and treatment, and encourage them to seek the help and support needed.
Continued monitoring and improvement of the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients through a holistic approach which includes treatment, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Assessing the Quality of Life of Gynecological Cancer Patients

Q: What is the Fact-G questionnaire and how is it used in assessing the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients?

A: The Fact-G questionnaire is a widely used tool to assess the quality of life of cancer patients, including gynecological cancer patients. It evaluates various aspects of their physical, emotional, and social well-being. The questionnaire is used to collect data on patients' symptoms, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning.

Q: What are the benefits of assessing the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients?

A: Assessing the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients can provide valuable insights into their needs and preferences. It can help healthcare providers to develop effective treatment plans and interventions that improve patients' quality of life. Additionally, it can help to identify areas where patients may need additional support or resources.

Q: What are some of the factors that affect the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients?

A: Some of the factors that affect the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients include:

Type of cancer
Therapeutic modalities (e.g. surgery, radiation, chemotherapy)
Therapeutic duration
Disease stage
Physical symptoms (e.g. pain, fatigue, nausea)
Emotional symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression)
Social functioning (e.g. relationships, work, leisure activities)

Q: How can healthcare providers improve the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients?

A: Healthcare providers can improve the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients by:

Providing comprehensive and coordinated care
Addressing physical symptoms and pain management
Providing emotional support and counseling
Encouraging patients to participate in decision-making and self-care
Providing access to resources and support services (e.g. financial assistance, transportation, home care)

Q: What role can patients play in improving their own quality of life?

A: Patients can play a significant role in improving their own quality of life by:

Staying informed about their disease and treatment options
Participating in decision-making and self-care
Seeking support from family, friends, and healthcare providers
Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment
Prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by gynecological cancer patients in terms of quality of life?

A: Some of the challenges faced by gynecological cancer patients in terms of quality of life include:

Managing physical symptoms and pain
Coping with emotional distress and anxiety
Navigating the healthcare system and accessing resources
Maintaining relationships and social connections
Balancing treatment and self-care with work and other responsibilities

Q: How can healthcare providers and patients work together to improve the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients?

A: Healthcare providers and patients can work together to improve the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients by:

Establishing open and honest communication
Setting realistic goals and expectations
Prioritizing patients' needs and preferences
Encouraging patients to participate in decision-making and self-care
Providing access to resources and support services

Q: What are some of the future directions for research on assessing the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients?

A: Some of the future directions for research on assessing the quality of life of gynecological cancer patients include:

Investigating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving quality of life
Developing and testing new tools and measures for assessing quality of life
Exploring the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on quality of life
Investigating the role of technology and digital health in improving quality of life.