Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally (Globocan cancer facts sheet, 2012. Almost nine out of ten cervical cancer deaths occur in less developed countries. According to the World Health Organisation and International Union against Cancer Care (2005), cervical cancer is most common in women living in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, it is most common amongst Black women (Ntinga & Maree, 2015). Unfortunately, more than half of the women seeking treatment have advanced cancer. Once the disease has spread beyond the cervix, surgery and radiotherapy are necessary to try to cure the disease. The support that the women receives can influence how she responds to the treatment. It is imperative that women receive support during this period, in an effort to help them adapt to the disease and the treatment.
The study explored how women treated for cervical cancer at an Academic hospital in Gauteng; South Africa preferred to be supported. Determine which support needs are crucial in meeting needs highlighted by the women
Methods:
A qualitative exploratory design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select 22 (n=22) participants who were 18 years and older, diagnosed with cervical cancer and receiving radiotherapy. In-depth interviews were conducted. An interview guide directed the interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis
Results:
Three themes emerged from the data, which were needs pertaining to information about the disease and its treatment; need for continuous counselling during treatment sessions was highlighted and tangible support such as assistance with finances to facilitate easy travel to treatment centre throughout the treatment period and support with basic needs such as food and maintaining of feminine hygiene. Women expressed need to have a care worker who would ensure their safety and comfort during treatment sessions.
Conclusion:
Women treated for cervical cancer needs to be informed about the disease and its treatment early in the disease trajectory. Counseling should be offered throughout the disease trajectory, in order to help women adapt to treatment. It is recommended that social services made available for those in need of financial assistance to resolve issues with travel to treatment facility and food supplies and feminine hygiene needs. It is recommended that a care worker be assigned to ensure women’s comfort and safety after receiving radiation treatment. Also an education supportive programme is recommended to help women adapt to the disease aimed to improve their quality of life
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