“There should be some kind of checklist for the soul”– A qualitative interview study of support needs after end of treatment for a gynecologic cancer in young women

ABSTRACT Purpose Young women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer face the risk of significant physical and mental health problems after end of treatment. Still, there is a lack of knowledge regarding specific support needs in this population, and supportive care services provided to young women with a gynecologic cancer have been reported to be insufficient. The aim of this study was therefore to identify support needs experienced by women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer before the age of 40. Method Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (n=10). Interviews were analyzed using content analysis with an inductive approach. Results Eight categories and two themes were identified. The themes described if these needs were related to how women wanted the support to be provided, or to what the support should contain, i.e., ‘Form’ and ‘Content’, respectively. The categories related to ‘Form’ included: Outreach support; Long-term specialized support; Support for the whole family; and Peer-support, whereas categories related to ‘Content’ included needs for: Support for psychological reactions; Support related to reproduction, sexuality, and family life; Information regarding late effects; and Support tailored to younger women. Conclusion Women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer during young adulthood report several specific support needs. The results provide important guidance to clinicians and health care providers by outlining these needs both in terms of form and content.