Seminars in Oncology Nursing

Factors Predicting the Health Status of Women with Ovarian Cancer During Five Treatment Phases

The combined impact of disease status and treatment phase on the quality of life (QoL) of women with ovarian cancer has not been fully considered. Therefore, this clinical, epidemiologic study compared the QoL of patients with ovarian cancer between five different treatment phases and identified the factors predicting their QoL through multivariate modeling. This study had a cross-sectional survey design. The participants total of 183 were recruited from the inpatient and outpatient departments of the medical center in northern Taiwan. QoL was measured using the Quality of Life Scales QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OV28 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The patient's clinical characteristics data were obtained from the databank of the Taiwan Gynecologic Cancer Network, a registry of active patients being treated with gynecologic cancer. Chemotherapeutic agents were the major predictors of poor global health status in patients with ovarian cancer. However, good sleep was beneficial to patients' QoL. The study results can be used as a reference to adjust oncological treatment regimens for more effective symptom management and to promote patient education to improve patients' QoL. The predicting factors can be considered by physicians and nurses to adjust treatment regimens and enhance patient education.

Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Carriers: Feeling Left in the Corner

What are the Barriers and Enablers to Physical Activity Participation in Women with Ovarian Cancer? A Rapid Review of the Literature

Engagement in regular physical activity is recommended for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to aggressive treatment approaches, an increased risk of disease recurrence and low survival rates. To synthesize the current available evidence identifying barriers and enablers to participation in physical activity among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Peer-reviewed articles in electronic databases including CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, Psych INFO and Scopus and key studies' reference lists. Although evidence pertaining to the study population was limited, the findings of this review suggest women with ovarian cancer experience similar barriers and enablers to the general population and other cancer cohorts. The primary barriers to physical activity participation reported by this population were treatment or disease related side effects, fear of injury or falling and the absence of physical activity counselling. Key enablers reported to facilitate physical activity participation were the implementation of individualized interventions with targeted goals in addition to support from health and medical professionals. Future research on ovarian cancer populations is warranted to further explore perceived barriers and enablers. Nurses working within the oncology field are well positioned clinically to facilitate physical activity engagement and identify and overcome barriers to participation within a population that experiences high mortality rates and disease recurrence.

Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients’ Experiences of Surgical Treatment: A Qualitative Analysis

Recommended treatment for advanced ovarian cancer involves a combination of debulking surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery places a significant burden on a patient's physical, social, sexual, and emotional wellbeing. Existing research exploring the impact of surgery is often limited to questionnaire administration with large gaps between data collection time points, missing key aspects of the perioperative period. Little is known of the experience of ovarian cancer surgical treatment from a patient perspective. This research aims to qualitatively explore advanced ovarian cancer patients' experience of surgery and identify areas in which quality of life may be impacted. Semi-structured telephone or face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients who had undergone combined surgical and chemotherapy treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. Twenty ovarian cancer patients who had undergone debulking surgery participated in interviews lasting between 33 and 68 minutes. Qualitative analysis generated five key themes: (1) care services; (2) experiences of a stoma; (3) preoperative experience; (4) impact of surgery; and (5) coping mechanisms. Understanding the patient experience of surgical treatment for advanced ovarian cancer can help inform and improve future care. This research explored the ways in which a patient's quality of life is impacted by surgery and highlights areas in which further support may be needed. Knowledge of the patient experience may also aid decision-making for both clinicians and patients when considering different treatment pathways. Results highlighted two crucial points in the surgical pathway where patients' need for emotional support was significant: during pre-op and recovering from surgery as an inpatient. Nursing staff are key to providing reassurance during this time. Specialized stoma nurses were also essential for supporting patients to adapt to their stomas both physically and psychologically.

From Serum Markers to Liquid Biopsy: Precision Monitoring in Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Prostate Cancers

This article is a detailed exploration of the clinical utility, strengths, and limitations of traditional serum tumor markers with emerging circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) technologies in the monitoring of breast, ovarian, pancreas, and prostate cancers. It highlights how integrated biomarker strategies can advance precision oncology, particularly in the context of hereditary breast, ovarian, pancreas, and prostate cancer syndrome. A review was conducted of current literature and practice guidelines, including the latest updates from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The clinical performance, diagnostic value, and monitoring roles of serum tumor markers (eg, CA 15-3, CA 125, PSA, CA 19-9) and cfDNA were discussed descriptively across these four malignancies. Emphasis was placed on evidence relevant to hereditary cancer risk assessment, therapeutic decision-making, and disease surveillance. Serum tumor markers remain a cornerstone in oncology nursing practice because of the accessibility and utility in assessing treatment response and tracking disease burden over time. Yet, their limited sensitivity and specificity, especially for early detection, underscore the need for complementary tools. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) technologies provide real-time molecular information on tumor biology, offering earlier detection of recurrence, identification of germline-related actionable mutations, and dynamic assessment of therapeutic resistance. In hereditary cancer syndromes such as those associated with BRCA1/2, cfDNA has shown value for detecting minimal residual disease, informing targeted therapy selection (eg, PARP inhibitors), and supporting noninvasive longitudinal monitoring across the cancer care continuum. Integrating cfDNA analysis with traditional serum tumor marker monitoring strengthens the ability to perform comprehensive risk assessment, tailor treatment decisions, and refine disease surveillance for individuals with hereditary cancer risk. This combined approach enables person-centered, evidence-based care while educating patients about the purpose and limits of each test, coordinating timely follow-up, and supporting adherence to surveillance protocols thereby ultimately improving outcomes for high-risk populations. Oncology nurses play a critical role in supporting the integration of advanced biomarker technologies into personalized care. Understanding the evolving applications of cfDNA and serum tumor markers is essential for patient education, shared decision-making, and advocacy for equitable access to precision oncology innovations. Nurses are key partners in implementing biomarker-informed care pathways that promote individualized, high-quality cancer care.

Inequalities in Genetic Services for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

This review aimed to examine the inequalities in access to genetic counseling and testing services among individuals with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) using bibliometric and thematic analysis methods. In this mixed methods study, conducted using an explanatory sequential design, 421 articles published in the Web of Science database between 1997 and 2025 were first analyzed bibliometrically. In the second stage, thematic analysis was conducted on the 10 most cited studies. Bibliometric findings indicate that scientific production in this field has increased significantly since 2013, with studies conducted primarily by US-based institutions and supported by strong international collaborations. Thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) inequities in access to and participation in services, (2) differences in clinical outcomes, (3) changes in service delivery models, and (4) communication barriers. Findings revealed that inequities in access to genetic services under HBOC are related not only to individual awareness or economic status but also to systemic and cultural factors. Furthermore, remote (telephone) genetic counseling has been shown to have the potential to reduce geographic and structural barriers. Consequently, culturally tailored, accessible, and multidisciplinary approaches to addressing health disparities in HBOC are needed. Future research is recommended to compare experiences across countries using multiple data sources. This study demonstrates that nurses play a crucial role in facilitating access to genetic counseling and testing services for individuals at risk for hereditary cancer. Strengthening nurses' genetic literacy, cultural sensitivity, and equity-based care approaches will increase service accessibility and the effectiveness of holistic care.

The Intersecting Effects of Biomedicine and Patriarchy on the Social Lives of Women Undergoing Cervical Cancer Prevention

This article examines how participating in a cervical cancer prevention program affects women's social lives. A generic qualitative study was carried out in a gynecology unit of a public hospital in the northwestern region of Spain. Using purposive sampling, 21 women aged between 21 and 52 years diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of varying degrees, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, based on a poststructuralist feminist perspective. Verification of doubts during data collection, triangulation of researchers' perspectives in data analysis and reflexivity and positionality strategies were employed to ensure study rigor. Two significant themes were identified: (a) the social effects of a cervical intraepithelial neoplasia diagnostic and subsequent follow-up for heterosexual couples within a biomedical healthcare system in a patriarchal society and (b) the social effects of a cervical intraepithelial neoplasia diagnostic and subsequent follow-up for relationships with family members and friends in a patriarchal society. Participants' relationships with partners, relatives and friends were impacted by cervical cancer prevention, revealing an emphasis on the treatment of the physical body and disregard for other dimensions of human life. Two dominant discourses, biomedicine and patriarchy, intersected the care delivery processes, adversely affecting patients' lives. Nurses should broaden their understanding of the social dimensions of cervical cancer prevention and treatment to encompass the multifaceted impact on various individuals, including patients, their partners, family members and friends. The social effects of the diagnostic and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia should be included in care plans.

Understanding the Influences of Cervical Screening Attendance among Women of Low Socioeconomic Position Using the Integrated Screening Action Model: A Qualitative Study

People of lower socioeconomic position have a higher incidence of cervical cancer and lower uptake of cervical screening. The Integrated Screening Action Model considers how an individual's environment, capability, opportunity, and motivation influence screening engagement. This study explored the influences of attending cervical screening among women of low socioeconomic position living in Dublin, Ireland, between those who are underscreened and regularly screened. Semistructured interviews were conducted with those who self-reported regularly attending screening or were underscreened, no university-level education, low-income employment or not working, aged 25 to 65 years, and living in Dublin. Participants were recruited via community organizations. A framework analysis was used to explore influences between regularly screened and underscreened participants. Sixteen participants were interviewed, and eight were underscreened. Regularly screened participants articulated their motivation to stay well, while underscreened participants appeared to avoid the potential of bad news, which was mediated by fear. Underscreened participants seemed to have limited social support and opportunity to consider screening, whereas regularly screened participants reflected that their peers supported them to attend, and in turn, they supported others (e.g., mothers being role models for daughters). The capability to attend screening was restricted for underscreened participants who often reported not knowing how to book a screening. The study highlights varied barriers and facilitators between those who are underscreened and regularly attend screening. Social opportunity was a major influencing factor in promoting screening and should be considered when designing interventions to promote screening in the community. Communications on screening must use understandable language. Understanding what is important to women when promoting screening uptake is essential to develop interventions that reflect their needs. Women appreciate reminders and trust information from health care professionals. Health care professionals may need training for opportunistic screening and to promote the availability of cervical screening in registered health care facilities.

Breast and Gynecological Cancer Benefit Finding Scale: Turkish Validity and Reliability Study

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the "Benefit Finding Scale" (BFS) in Turkish breast and gynecologic cancer patients. In the methodological research, 322 women were included. Data was collected using the "Descriptive Information Form" and the "BFS." The language, content, construct, criterion, and convergent validity of the "BFS" were examined. Content validity was assessed using the scale and the item content validity index. Construct validity was determined by Exploratory factor analysis and Confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using internal consistency analysis, Cronbach's α, and the test-retest method. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses established that the scale consisted of 15 items with three factors, explaining 72.5% of the total variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis Fit Indices Goodness of Fit Index: 0.96, AGFI: 0.95, NFI: 0.95, PGFI: 0.70, RMR: 0.08. The Cronbach's α for the total scale is 0.92. Within the scope of the test-retest analysis, an interclass correlation coefficient = 0.961 was determined. The scale evaluation is based on the mean scores of the subdimensions and total scores; as the score obtained from the scale increases, the benefit finding for cancer increases. The findings from this study conducted on a sample of breast and gynecologic cancer showed that the "BFS" is both valid and reliable for the Turkish population. Assessing benefit findings in women with breast and gynecologic cancer may enable nurses to provide care and psychosocial support tailored to patient's needs, which can enhance their well-being and improve treatment adherence.

Interventions for Prevention and Management of Gynecological Cancer-Related Lower Limb Lymphedema: A Systematic Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to map out evidence on interventions for reducing lower limb lymphedema incidence and symptoms after gynecological cancer surgery. This scoping review followed the methods and protocol outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute Methods Manual. Five databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched in January 2024. The review included 15 interventions primarily designed to prevent and manage cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema. Most studies have examined the effect of interventions on the development of lymphedema-related symptoms and quality of life. Most studies tested complex decongestive therapy (CDT) (n = 6, 39.9%), including various techniques, such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, and skincare. Of the interventions, 86.6% improved at least one outcome measurement, such as quality of life, lymphedema incidence, symptoms, and lower limb volume. Limited evidence shows that the use of interventions appears to have the potential to reduce the risk and symptoms of lymphedema and improve the quality of life in women undergoing gynecological cancer treatment. Developing and testing comprehensive lymphedema education and management strategies in nursing practice is essential to optimize patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for women undergoing gynecological cancer treatment.