Publication:

Assessment of the status of inoperable cervical cancer patients treated in a selected hospital: a single-center, observational study

Background Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of inoperable cervical cancer patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.

Methods A single-centered, observational study was conducted using retrospective data from patients diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer. Patient demographics, tumor staging, histopathological features, and treatment modalities were analyzed. Statistical associations between variables were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results The mean age of patients was 48.94 years, with 61.1% aged between 41 and 60. Over half (55.6%) were married at or before age 15, and 79.2% had three or more children. Most patients (83.3%) reported using oral contraceptives, and 23.6% had a family history of cancer. Stage IIB was the most common FIGO stage (52.8%), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the predominant histological type (73.6%). Tumor grade II was most frequent (73.6%). Standard chemoradiation was administered, including weekly cisplatin, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (mean dose 48.94 Gy), and intracavitary brachytherapy (80.6% received 21 Gy in three insertions). No significant associations were found between histopathological type (HPR) and stage (p=0.334) or family history and stage (p=1.000).

Conclusions The study reveals a pattern of late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis in middle-aged women with identifiable socio-demographic risk factors. Strengthening early screening and awareness initiatives is critical to reducing the burden of inoperable cases in Bangladesh.