Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-14, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. HealthSignal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Agani Afaya, Donald Babamomba Amenah, Fahd Chambas, Promise Aidoo, Ohene Addo Gideon, Mavis Vidzor, Bernice Aidoo, Richard Adongo Afaya, Mabel Apaanye Avane, Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor, Dennis Bomansang Daliri, Solomon Mohammed Salia
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0343859
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Gynecological cancers remain a threat to women’s health in Ghana, where the burden is shaped by late diagnosis, limited specialized care, and treatment-related infertility. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can damage the ovaries and uterus, causing premature ovarian failure, early menopause, and loss of reproductive potential. In a pronatalist context where motherhood supports identity, marriage stability, and social standing, infertility carries a psychosocial burden. Yet, the lived experiences of women with gynecological cancer-related infertility remain poorly understood.
This study explored the experiences of reproductive loss among women with gynecological cancers receiving care at a tertiary referral hospital in Ghana.
A qualitative descriptive design guided the study. Fourteen women aged 22–48 years with cervical, ovarian, uterine, or endometrial cancers, who had completed or were undergoing treatment, were purposively recruited. Semi-structured interviews (30–45 minutes) were conducted face-to-face or by telephone in private settings in English, Twi, or Ewe by trained nurses, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis.
Three interconnected themes and thirteen subthemes emerged from the data: (1) psychological and emotional experiences, (2) social challenges, and (3) coping and resilience strategies. Fertility loss was experienced as a threat to womanhood, motherhood, and relational security, especially among younger, single, and childless participants. Women undergoing active treatment emphasized symptom burden, whereas those post-treatment focused on childbearing loss. Participants described incompleteness, fear of rejection, anxiety, denial, and shattered aspirations, while social stigma and strained intimate relationships intensified distress. These experiences were compounded by treatment-related symptoms, financial strain, and interrupted education. Coping drew on adherence to treatment, dietary changes, prayer, and family support, which helped sustain hope and resilience.
Reproductive loss among women with gynecological cancers in Ghana is a psychosocial, sociocultural, and economic burden that affects quality of life. Holistic, culturally sensitive care should integrate fertility counseling, psychosocial support, symptom management, financial protection, and guidance on alternative family-building options such as adoption.
Introduction
Gynecological cancers remain a major yet often under-recognized threat to women’s health worldwide, with profound consequences for survival, quality of life, and health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income settings such as Ghana [1]. In 2022, approximately 1.47 million women were newly diagnosed with gynecological cancers, and an estimated 680,000 women died from these diseases globally, representing more than 15% of all cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths among women [2,3]. This burden is projected to rise substantially by 2050, with the sharpest increases expected in low- and middle-income regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa [1]. In Ghana, gynecological cancers, particularly cervical and ovarian cancers, constitute a major source of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Cervical cancer alone accounts for an estimated 2,797 new cases and 1,699 deaths annually, corresponding to age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of approximately 27.0 and 16.9 per 100,000 women, respectively [4,5]. These outcomes are frequently shaped by late-stage diagnosis, low screening uptake—estimated at about 7% among eligible women—and constrained access to specialized oncology services, resulting in substantial out-of-pocket expenses and poorer survival outcomes [6,7].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Agani Afaya, Donald Babamomba Amenah, Fahd Chambas, Promise Aidoo, Ohene Addo Gideon, Mavis Vidzor, Bernice Aidoo, Richard Adongo Afaya, Mabel Apaanye Avane, Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor, Dennis Bomansang Daliri, Solomon Mohammed Salia. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by HealthSignal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of HealthSignal’s staff.
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