Exploring Older Women’s Attitudes to and Experience of Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Older women with ovarian cancer more often receive less intensive treatment and early discontinuation compared to younger women. There is little understanding of older women’s treatment experience and whether this contributes to declining intensive treatment. We aimed to explore the lived experience of older patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy, their treatment preferences and treatment burden. We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study with 15 women who had completed at least three cycles of first-line chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, aged 65 years or older at the first cycle, at one tertiary cancer centre. We conducted interviews and focus groups and analysed the transcripts using inductive thematic analysis. Women reported a strong preference for active treatment despite treatment burden and toxicities. Participants undertook treatment to lengthen their lives for themselves and their families. Participants did not see age as a barrier to treatment. Patients expressed determination not to let cancer interfere with daily life. Women felt overwhelmed with information and struggled with daily tasks due to fatigue. Logistical issues, such as transportation and ineffective communication between healthcare providers, caused substantial distress. Despite these logistical burdens and toxicities, participants were positive about their care experience and desire for anticancer treatment. Older women may benefit from additional support to facilitate effective communication during the early stages of treatment.