After treatment. Psychosocial issues in gynecologic cancer survivorship

Abstract

The woman treated for gynecologic cancer must contend with a challenging group of issues in her efforts to recover psychologically in the months and years after treatment: chance of dying, changed self-perception, treatment-related menopause, impaired or lost fertility, sexual dysfunction, and relationship problems must all be addressed. Psychological and sexual problems after treatment and quality-of-life issues for the gynecologic cancer patient have been the subjects of increasing research in the past few years, and a brief literature review is provided. However, the literature contains few descriptive studies regarding the relevant clinical issues faced by the woman treated for gynecologic cancer who has been free of disease for a period of months to years, particularly the younger patient. As the pool of successfully treated women grows, these issues will merit further exploration. The oncology clinician can play a continuing role in offering support, suggestions, and referral in the years of treatment follow-up. An overview of the clinical issues relevant to the gynecologic cancer survivor is provided, with reference to the literature and with suggestions for clinical management for the oncology clinician.