A qualitative study examining psychosocial distress, coping and social support across the stages and phases of epithelial ovarian cancer

Research has shown that ovarian cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety and depression, yet little research exists regarding the coping and support of this population. This study examined the experiences of women during the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, including their social support, coping, and communication, using N=30 semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analysed qualitatively for salient themes.; The most common themes found include extreme blunting regarding disease status, having a 'forgotten cancer', the traumatic surprise of diagnosis, the highs and lows regarding healthcare received, and the support gap experienced post-diagnosis. At this time, there is no centralized, readily accessible psychosocial/educational information source for ovarian cancer patients, though a clear need for such a service exists. It is likely that, based on previous research and the information obtained in this study, that a telephone intervention, preferably delivered by an ovarian cancer survivor, would be the most effective intervention.