Vaginal Changes and Sexual Function in Patients With Cervical Cancer

OBJECTIVES:

• Obtain estimates of changes in vaginal length, perceived vaginal elasticity, perceived vaginal lubrication, and sexual activity, response, and satisfaction among patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer.
• Compare these differences between the patients in the two treatment groups in GOG-0201.
• Determine the relationships between vaginal dilation activities and vaginal length changes in these patients.
• Determine the association between smoking and vaginal length and between smoking and vaginal dryness in these patients after therapy for cervical cancer.
• Assess the extent of subject interest in and preferred methods of sexual counseling related to problems resulting from treatment in these patients.

OUTLINE: Vaginal length is measured using Vaginal Sound, a modified plastic vaginal dilator. The data about vaginal elasticity and lubrication and sexual activity, response, and satisfaction are obtained from patient self-report, as well as vaginal dilation activities. Measurement and assessments are taken before treatment and then at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Patients are followed every 3 months for 2 years.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 150 patients will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Entered and treated on GOG-0201 or eligible for and treated on either arm of GOG-0201

• May have refused entry on GOG-0201 as long as treatment is prescribed according to one or the other arm

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

• Under 70

Performance status

• Not specified

Life expectancy

• Not specified

Hematopoietic

• Not specified

Hepatic

• Not specified

Renal

• Not specified

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

• Not specified

Chemotherapy

• Not specified

Endocrine therapy

• Not specified

Radiotherapy

• Not specified

Surgery

• Not specified