Care-seeking behavior of Japanese gynecological cancer survivors suffering from adverse effects

We conducted 4 semi-structured focus groups comprising altogether 28 Japanese gynecological cancer survivors to collect a variety of participants’ post-treatment care-seeking behaviors through active interaction with participants. Factors influencing access to treatment for adverse effects were analyzed qualitatively.Survivors sought care through specialty clinic visits when regular post-treatment gynecological follow-ups were inadequate or when symptoms seemed to be non-treatment related. Information provided by hospital staff during initial treatment influenced patients’ understanding and response to adverse effects. Lack of knowledge and inaccurate symptom interpretation delayed help-seeking, exacerbating symptoms. Gynecologists’ attitudes during follow-ups frequently led survivors to cope with symptoms on their own. Information from mass media, Internet, and support groups helped patients understand symptoms and facilitated care seeking.Post-treatment adverse effects are often untreated during follow-up visits. Awareness of possible post-treatment adverse effects is important for gynecological cancer survivors in order to obtain appropriate care if the need arises. Consultation during the follow-up visit is essential for continuity in care.Many survivors of gynecological cancer suffer from persistent adverse post-treatment effects [1]. Reported post-treatment symptoms include constipation/diarrhea, lymphedema, menopausal symptoms, sexual and vaginal dysfunction, and neurotoxicity [2-5]. Physical sequelae lead to higher levels of depressive symptoms [6]. In the case of patients undergoing long-term treatment, these symptoms tend to result in lowered quality-of-life and unmet needs for symptom management [7,8].Effective management of late complications of cancer treatment would contribute to the well-being of cancer survivors [9]. Hence, it is imperative to understand the experiences of gynecological cancer survivors during care for adverse treatment outcomes; unf