Mrs Emma Minchin1, Dr Laura Kirsten2, Dr Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell1, Dr Jemma Gilchrist3, Professor Ilona Juraskova1
1School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 2Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Sydney, Australia, 3Mind My Health, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Emma is a third year PhD candidate in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on exploring and supporting the unmet psychosocial needs of younger women with menopausal symptoms induced by cancer treatment. In addition to her research, Emma is a registered clinical psychologist with experience working in both psycho-oncology and complex menopause care settings.
Aims:
Menopause-related support needs of younger cancer patients remain poorly understood, particularly in relation to psychosocial care. This multi-group study explored patient and multidisciplinary healthcare professional (HCP) perspectives regarding current support provision and recommendations for improving holistic care for induced menopause within cancer contexts.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were completed with: i) 30 breast and gynaecological cancer patients with induced menopausal symptoms before age 45, and ii) 27 multidisciplinary HCPs involved in care of this patient population. Data were analysed using framework analysis.
Results:
Patient participants ranged in age from 28-52 years. HCPs practiced across private and public settings, with 22 years mean experience (range: 2-49). Four themes were identified: 1) ‘Navigating Menopause Unprepared and Unsupported’: reflecting perceived unmet informational and support needs; 2) ‘The Current Support Landscape’: encompassing gaps and barriers in existing menopause support, 3) ‘Menopause and Cancer’: highlighting unique considerations for menopause support within oncology contexts; and 4) ‘Reimagining Menopause Care in Cancer’: capturing patient, clinician and service-level priorities for improving menopause-related supportive care.
Conclusions:
Findings demonstrate need for improved preparation, clear and accessible information, targeted psychosocial support, and specialised training and clinical guidance for multidisciplinary clinicians to address menopause-related challenges amongst younger cancer patients and their partners.