Background: Early or premature menopause induced by cancer treatment can lead to a range of psychosocial challenges alongside physical symptoms. Yet, the psychological, social, emotional impacts and needs remain relatively unexplored, particularly among younger patients.
Aims: This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of health professionals working with patients affected by early/premature, treatment-induced menopause. This research is part of a larger research program which is comprehensively examining the impacts of early/premature treatment-induced menopause and associated support needs from multiple perspectives of key stakeholders.
Method: Twenty three multi-disciplinary health professionals treating and supporting breast and gynaecological cancer patients and their partners, completed semi-structured interviews via telephone or videoconferencing. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Four inter-connected preliminary themes were derived from the data: 1) Marks of menopause, capturing symptoms and the nuanced psychosocial impacts of treatment-induced menopause observed by health professionals, 2) Shifting relationships (with self and others), related specifically to changes to individuals' sense of self, identity and interpersonal relationships, 3) Menopause and the cancer context, reflecting the interplay between the cancer and menopause experiences, and 4) Support provision, needs and recommendations.
Conclusion: Menopause may be a salient component of the cancer and survivorship experience for many women and their partners, complexly and variably impacting the physical, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing of individuals. These findings underscore the importance of targeted psychosocial support, as well as specialised training to better equip health professionals in addressing unique challenges faced by this patient group.