Menopause induced by cancer treatment represents a salient survivorship concern for younger women and health professionals involved in their care. Extending beyond physical symptoms alone, menopause-related difficulties may significantly affect women’s quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. These impacts can also have consequences for treatment, informing factors such as adherence with endocrine therapy.
Adopting a biopsychosocial lens, this talk will explore the varied and complex impacts of early, induced menopausal experiences upon younger women living with and beyond cancer. Discussion will be informed by a systematic review, qualitative interviews with 35 survivors and 27 multidisciplinary health professionals, as well as applied clinical psychology practice. Particular attention will be given to formulation of the relational and intrapersonal challenges which may be associated with early induced menopause, including disruptions to romantic, peer and parenting relationships, alongside challenges to women's identity and sense of self. The psychological and emotional complexities involved in navigating menopause and cancer experiences simultaneously will also be considered.
Key considerations for menopause care within oncology will then be discussed, with focus on current evidence, identified psychosocial support needs and known barriers to care within this space. Future research directions will be proposed, with emphasis upon improving psychological interventions, and in turn, wellbeing, for younger women encountering menopause alongside cancer diagnoses.