Follow-up Experiences of Cervical Cancer Patients after Radiotherapy: A Qualitative Study

Background

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading malignancies threatening women’s health worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone treatment modality but often leads to long-term physical, psychological, and social challenges that significantly impair survivors’ quality of life. Nursing follow-up plays a crucial role in survivorship care; however, patients’ experiences and perspectives during this period remain underexplored in China.This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of cervical cancer patients during nursing follow-up after radiotherapy, with a particular focus on their perceptions and coping strategies related to physical symptoms, psychological wellbeing, social support, and information needs.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in the Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China. Sixteen cervical cancer patients who had completed radiotherapy and entered the follow-up stage were purposively recruited. Guided by supportive care theory, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences.

Data were transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results

The analysis identified six major themes reflecting patients’ multidimensional experiences during nursing follow-up: (i) Persistent discomfort and daily life impact,(ii) Insufficient understanding of the role of nursing follow-up, (iii) Psychological stress and need for support, (iv) Sexual health concerns, (v) Help and conflicts in family support, (vi) Information needs and preferences. These findings highlight both the ongoing difficulties faced by cervical cancer survivors and their expectations for more comprehensive and empathetic follow-up care.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer survivors after radiotherapy encounter a complex interplay of physical, psychological, sexual, familial, and informational challenges during follow-up. Patients expressed a strong need for individualized, continuous, and empathetic nursing support to enhance recovery and adaptation. Strengthening the proactivity and professionalism of follow-up services, particularly in sexual health counseling, psychosocial support, and health education, may improve survivorship outcomes. Future multicenter and mixed-methods studies are warranted to inform the development of a more comprehensive follow-up care system.