To Örebro University

This thesis explores women’s experiences of being diagnosed with gynecological cancer, during different phases of the disease trajectory. The women were undergoing treatment for primary gynecological cancer (study I) and for recurring ovarian cancer (studies II–IV). The focus of studies I and III was the women’s interactions with the health care system, while the experience of recurring ovarian cancer was sought in studies II and IV. Interviews were made and the text was tape-recorded and transcribed. The women in studies I-III were interviewed at the end of their treatment periods.

The method used in studies I and III was subjected to qualitative content analysis.

The aim of study I was to illuminate what women, diagnosed with primary gynecological cancer, reported to be important in their interactions with the health care system. Fourteen women were interviewed. The results were described in three categories: optimal care, good communication, and maintained self-image and sexuality.

The aim in study III was to explore what women with the first recurrence of ovarian cancer perceived as important in their interactions with the health care team. Twelve women were interviewed. The main finding was that the women needed help from the health care team to familiarize themselves with the disease. This theme was supported by the following sub-themes: being confirmed as a person, getting help in making sense of the information about the disease and its treatment, having the opportunity to be involved and to share responsibility, and feeling confident that medical expertise is good enough.

A phenomenological method was used in studies II and IV. The aim of study II was to deepen the understanding of women’s experiences of the first recurrence of ovarian cancer. Twelve women were interviewed. The findings showed three key constituents: being denied one’s future while simultaneously hoping to be able to delay the cancer’s advancement; feeling alienated from both oneself and one’s surroundings; and being responsible. The key constituents was integrated into a structure: living in limbo, characteristic of an existential loneliness.

In study IV, four of the women from studies II–III were interviewed twice, three and five years after the first recurrence. The aim was to illuminate the phenomenon of living with life-prolonging treatment of recurring ovarian cancer. The analysis started with creation of the situated structure for each woman. The situated structures were transformed into a general structure of living with life-prolonging treatment of recurring ovarian cancer that was formulated as follows: time was experienced as short, yet extendable; the body became increasingly fragile; strength proved itself to be unpredictable; and the wish to share the meaning of the disease with others was experienced as unattainable.

The findings produced important knowledge that increases the understanding of the needs of women living with gynecological cancer. This knowledge provides a basis to shape health care delivery in accordance with the needs of the women.