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Session: Poster Session 1 (Even numbers)
Session starts: Thursday 26 January, 16:00
Presentation starts: 16:00

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Nick van de Berg (Erasmus MC Cancer Institute)
Franciscus van Beurden (Delft University of Technology)
Heleen van Beekhuizen (Erasmus MC Cancer Institute)
Marianne Maliepaard (Erasmus MC Cancer Institute)
Helena van Doorn (Erasmus MC Cancer Institute)

Abstract:
Background: Bicycling is an integral part of Dutch life, which facilitates nearly a quarter of all our journeys. As an urban traffic alternative, it has economic, social, and health benefits, and can potentially reduce traffic congestion and air and noise pollution. The societal value of enabling people to bicycle is recognised globally, and becomes visible from the multitude of bicycle-sharing systems and bicycle highways introduced in major cities around the world. Medical and technical universities can contribute to this enablement. However, to be effective, we need to identify population subgroups and investigate prevalence of bicycling impediments. Based on signals from our own patients, we have decided to investigate the effects of vulvar cancer and its surgical treatment on bicycle use, saddle pain and discomfort, and on overall losses in mobility and quality of life (QoL). Methodology: Patients who underwent vulvectomy in our hospital between 2018-2021 were retrospectively asked to complete the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS questionnaire to estimate quality of life and perceived health, and a non-validated, problem-specific GO-bicycling questionnaire to assess perceived problems during bicycling. The study was approved by the Erasmus MC MERC and all participants gave consent before filling in the questionnaires. Results: In total, 84 patients (63%) filled in the questionnaires. Respondents had a mean age of 68±12 years (mean ± standard deviation). We found that QoL was similar to Dutch baseline values (0.832±0.224 vs 0.858±0.168), perceived health was reduced (75.6±20.0 vs 83.2±11.8), and mobility problems were doubled (31.0% vs 16.0%). The average bicycling time was also reduced (96±169 vs 194±257 min/week). Overall, 40.3% of respondents experienced moderate or severe bicycling problems or could not bicycle, 34.9% felt impeded to bicycle because of their vulva, and 57.1% wished to be able to make more or longer bicycling journeys. Chafing and pain in the vulva or sit-bones were the most frequently indicated types of discomfort. Conclusion: Our study shows that pain and discomfort caused by vulvar cancer and its treatment strongly reduces bicycle use and mobility. This motivates us to investigate ways to reduce bicycling pain and discomfort and improve mobility and self-reliance of these women.