Cervical cancer affects both the mental health and finances of families

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often a life-changing challenge. Now, a new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that cervical cancer can have far-reaching consequences – not only for the affected woman, but also for her immediate family.

“We see that a cancer diagnosis may have consequences that extend across generations. It is particularly concerning that the children's education level might be negatively affected,” says Karin Sundström, researcher at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology at Karolinska Institutet.

The importance of family support

The researchers followed over 6,000 women with cervical cancer and their families for up to twelve years and compared them with similar women without cancer and their families. The results show that the risk of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety and stress-related diagnoses, was almost four times higher in women with cancer during the first two years after being diagnosed.

Furthermore, the children and their other co-parent – ​​often the woman’s partner – also showed increased risk of mental illness. This was particularly clear if the woman with cancer died. In addition, children of women with cervical cancer were less likely to achieve higher levels of education in adulthood than other children.

The study also shows that women with cancer were more likely to become unemployed, achieve lower incomes and need financial support. Similar patterns were seen in their partners, especially in the first years after diagnosis.

“Women with cervical cancer deserve not just to survive, but also to thrive. Our results underline the need for long-term support for both these women and their families. It’s important to focus not only on medical treatment but also on possible psychological and financial consequences of the disease,” says Karin Sundström.

The researchers believe that the results should be considered when planning care and support measures for families affected by cancer. Acknowledging needs in children and partners early can be crucial in reducing negative consequences.

The research was funded within the framework of the partnership program on patient-centered research that Karolinska Institutet has established with Merck/MSD, which has products in the field of cervical cancer.