A mixed studies systematic review of the unmet treatment, support, and information needs of cancer survivors in managing menopause symptoms.

Authors

Dorcas Serwaa, Shanton Chang, Khadijeh Onsory, Nipuni Susanto, Martha Hickey, Michael Jefford, Michelle Peate

Published in

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. Volume 34. Issue 8. Jul 23, 2026. Epub Jul 23, 2026.

Abstract

Menopausal symptoms are common after cancer treatment, with wide-ranging impacts on cancer survivors' daily living. While evidence shows that cancer survivors have menopause-related needs, these have not been synthesised. This systematic review aims to identify cancer survivors' unmet needs in managing menopausal symptoms.
The study was registered with the Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (CRD42024464668). We searched four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL) for original qualitative or quantitative research published in English between 2013 and 2025, and focusing on cancer survivors' unmet menopause-related needs. Manual searches of reference lists were also conducted. Quantitative studies were reported descriptively, while qualitative data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
The search returned 8256 abstracts, of which, 20 studies (13 qualitative and 7 quantitative) met the inclusion criteria. Three key themes were identified regarding unmet needs: treatment, support, and information. Treatment needs involved survivors untreated, those finding treatment ineffective, and desire for more options. Between 26 and 80% were untreated or self-managing their symptoms, 15-76% found their treatments ineffective, and 23-68% desired additional treatment. Support needs included inadequate support from healthcare professional. Some felt abandoned, their symptoms dismissed, and therefore needed extra support in managing their symptoms. Gaps in access to information about cancer treatment-induced menopause and its management were identified. Most sought information from diverse sources; however, their needs were not fully met.
The review revealed unmet needs in treatment, support, and information for cancer survivors managing menopausal symptoms. These findings could guide providers to improve practice and inform supportive care policies.

PMID:
42489963
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Jul 2026.

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