Women's Experience and Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue and Psychological Distress During Treatment for Gynaecological Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: To explore women's experience and management of cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress during treatment for gynaecological cancer.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods: Face-to-face semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 23 women in mainland China undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancer between July and October 2023. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results: Three categories were identified: overwhelming experience of cancer-related fatigue, diverse experiences of psychological distress and strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress. Participants reported physical exhaustion and emotional fatigue, disrupting their normal lives. Psychological distress included distress due to cancer treatment, psychological burden associated with social relationships, frustration with being ill and worries about disease progression and recurrence. Strategies for managing symptoms were mainly nonpharmacological, with some unable to find suitable methods.

Conclusion: This study found that participants had a complex experience of cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress, influenced by social expectations regarding women's roles and treatment impacts on reproductive health and femininity. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive interventions involving family members or fellow patients to reduce both symptoms.

Implications for patient care: Nurses should focus on addressing cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress in women receiving treatment for gynaecological cancer, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It is essential to provide comprehensive care to improve their physical and psychological well-being.

Impact: This study explored how women with gynaecological cancer experience and manage cancer-related fatigue and psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for holistic care that addresses physical and psychological symptoms. Nurses should consider the impact of reproductive health and femininity on symptom experiences and management. Furthermore, the findings could inform the development of evidence-based interventions to improve the physical and psychological well-being of women with gynaecological cancer.

Reporting method: Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.

Keywords: cancer‐related fatigue; gynaecological cancer; nursing; psychological distress; qualitative approaches; symptom experience; symptom management.