Exploring the psychological impacts of a gestational cancer diagnosis on women: a literature review

Abstract

Background: One in 1000 women are diagnosed with gestational cancer in the UK. Of these, the greatest number are breast cancer diagnoses. The rate of gestational cancer is expected to increase due to women choosing to become pregnant later in life. Aims: To explore the experiences of women with a gestational cancer diagnosis to identify how the support provided to them by the multidisciplinary team could be enhanced. Method: A systematic literature review using Medline, CINAHL Complete and Complementary Index. Seven primary research articles were selected for in-depth analysis. Thematic analysis was completed and developed with academic and peer supervision. Findings: Three themes were identified: ‘time pressures and decision-making, balanced with concerns for the health and wellbeing of the baby and self’; ‘fears about parenting’ and ‘the influence of support’. Within all themes, distress was most commonly caused by poor or inconsistent communication between health professionals, which left women feeling disempowered and anxious about decision-making. Conclusion: Women diagnosed with gestational cancer have unique support needs arising from receipt of a devastating diagnosis at what should be a happy time. The experience of being under the care of two discrete teams can result in uncertainty and distress when inconsistent messages about treatment are given. Support can be significantly enhanced by having a named midwife who attends all multidisciplinary team meetings about the woman concerned, who can assess for distress and who can signpost psychosocial support, based on the individual woman's needs.