Cancer treatment-induced menopause: meaning for breast and gynecological cancer survivors

Abstract

Many cancer survivors are faced with irreversible changes resulting from cancer treatment. One such change some women face after cancer is treatment-induced menopause. Eight women (four with breast and four with gynecological cancers) were interviewed to explore the impact of treatment-induced menopause on their lives. Results indicated that participants' understanding and coping with menopause occurred within the larger context of the total cancer experience. For some of the women, menopause was not a significant problem; for others, the symptoms caused major distress and were a continuing reminder of the losses suffered due to cancer. Important concerns for all participants were: taking and keeping control, the desire to return to "normal" after cancer, and maintaining a coherent sense of self. Strong statements were also made about the power of knowing and the power of support in coping with treatment-induced menopause. Findings are discussed with implications for nursing practice.