Immunotherapy Landscape for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Professionals From Two National Referral Centres.

Cervical cancer, characterized by the malignant transformation of cervical epithelium often associated with persistent high-risk infection, represents a significant global public health challenge, particularly among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer despite its substantial disease burden globally. Globally, cervical cancer ranks among the most common malignancies of the female genital tract and represents the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, accounting for 6.6% of all cancers with an estimated 570,000 cases worldwide in 2018. In Ghana, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The clinical presentation of cervical cancer varies considerably, often characterized by abnormal vaginal bleeding including intermenstrual, post-coital, and post-menopausal bleeding, prolonged vaginal discharge that may be bloody or sero-sanguinous with foul odor, or menorrhagia and metromenorrhagia. However, many cases remain asymptomatic until the disease progresses to advanced stages, contributing to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Despite the availability of preventive measures through screening and HPV vaccination, late-stage diagnoses and limited access to preventive care continue to exacerbate the disease burden in low-resource countries such as Ghana. This delayed presentation compounds the disease’s impact, as cervical cancer creates profound psychological and emotional stress for patients and increase their mortality risk. The disease and its treatment modalities frequently result in physiological changes that significantly impact sexual function, creating difficulties with sexual intercourse. For example, evidence has revealed sexual dysfunction as widespread consequence of cervical cancer. Among women receiving cervical cancer treatment, sexual dysfunction manifests across multiple domains with varying prevalence rates: disinterest in sexual activity (26%-85%), dissatisfaction with sexual life (30%-37%), dyspareunia (26%-55%), reduced intercourse frequency (45%), and vaginal changes including narrowing, shortening, or dryness (32%-50%). Family functioning plays a crucial role in cervical cancer patients’ adaptation to disease changes and sexual dysfunction. Family functioning encompasses the social and structural properties of one’s family environment, including family relationships, interactions, cohesion, conflict levels, organization, adaptability, and communication quality. Women with cervical cancer who experience limited family support and inadequate support systems tend to adopt negative coping strategies. Conversely, effective social and family support has been demonstrated to reduce the negative consequences of diagnosis and treatment, enhance psychological well-being, and improve patients’ ability to cope with their condition.