‘What makes me a woman has been taken away’: exploring women's experiences of treatment for cervical cancer in Ghana

Abstract

Background/AimsCervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Ghana, and is often diagnosed at the advanced stage when more invasive treatment is required. This study explored women's experiences of treatment for advanced cervical cancer in Ghana.MethodsAn exploratory descriptive phenomenological approach was used in this study. Data collection and analysis were done concurrently. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 15 women with advanced cervical cancer from the treatment centre of a teaching hospital in Ghana. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted lasting between 45 and 90 mins to gather information on their treatment experiences. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.ResultsThree themes were identified: treatment-associated gynecological changes, gastrointestinal disturbances and body changes, with sub-themes of vaginal dryness, infertility and pseudo-menopausal changes, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, skin changes and weight loss.ConclusionsWomen with advanced cervical cancer experience treatment-related challenges that affect their quality of life. It is recommended that experts such as clinical psychologists, nutritionists, dietitians, sex therapists and beauticians/cosmetologists are made part of the multidisciplinary team in the management of treatment for advanced cervical cancer. This will improve the quality of life of women being treated.