Predictors of Patient’s Survival after a Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer Patients at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer in women. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide after breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. In Kenya, cervical cancer is the leading cause of death in women, and has been shown to have increased by 3 211 in the past 5 years. An increase in cervical cancer in Kenya, has resulted in an economic burden for patients and families. There is an increase in healthcare spending as well as productivity losses due to morbidity and mortality at a productive age. The purpose of the study was to determine the predictors of survival after a diagnosis of cervical cancer. A retrospective cohort design was used in the study. A total of 175 cervical cancer patients were studied over a five-year period, from January 1st to December 31st, 2014. A Cox regression model were used to assess the predictors of survival after cervical cancer diagnosis. The study findings revealed that age, marital status, employment status, family history, smoking status, comorbidity, cancer grade, staging of the disease and treatment plan were factors that increased the risk of death for cervical cancer patients. In conclusion, risk factors affecting the life expectancy of cervical cancer patients include age, marital status, employment status, family history, smoking status, comorbidity, cancer grade, staging of the disease and treatment plan. In an effort for an intervention on factors that increased the risk of death for cervical cancer patients, a collaboration between the Government, private organizations, and local communities is critical. This includes promoting and developing cervical cancer awareness among the public so that women adopt healthy lifestyles and early screening behaviours.