Abstract
The population of gynecological cancer survivors is growing, yet little is known regarding the long-term impact of the disease and/or cancer treatment on these women’s quality of life (QoL). Few studies have been conducted with QoL as the main outcome, and studies are rather incomparable in terms of inclusion criteria, QoL measurements applied and use of a control group, for example. Despite problems with comparisons across studies, it would appear safe to conclude that the majority of women who have responded successfully to treatment for gynecological cancer will experience a good QoL. Survivors of ovarian or endometrial cancer, those who have received radio- or chemo-therapy, younger survivors and women with little social support, are at risk for impaired QoL. Factors related to potential negative and positive QoL outcomes, as well as strategies for improving QoL and health in long-term gynecological malignancy survivors, are outlined.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.