Patient experiences of radiation-induced menopause in cervical cancer: A scoping review

Introduction

Radiation-induced menopause (RIM), a form of premature ovarian insufficiency, is a frequent yet under-recognised consequence of pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Beyond vasomotor and urogenital symptoms, RIM affects psychological wellbeing, sexual identity, and overall quality of life (QoL). For therapeutic radiographers, understanding survivorship impact is critical to delivering holistic, person-centred care that extends beyond treatment into long-term wellbeing.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map literature on experiences, QoL impacts, and supportive interventions for individuals assigned female at birth who developed RIM after external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or chemoradiation for cervical cancer. Searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, citation lists, and grey literature, were carried out between January–May, 2025, identifying English-language empirical and review studies. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, with methodological quality described using the QuADS tool.

Results

From 528 records, 21 studies (2006–2025) met inclusion criteria. Most focused on cervical cancer survivors from high-income countries, with limited evidence from diverse populations. RIM was consistently linked to high symptom burden and QoL impairment. Survivors reported abrupt, distressing menopausal changes compounded by limited clinician recognition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and multidisciplinary care improved outcomes, yet uptake, communication, and equity gaps remain.

Conclusion

RIM is a major survivorship issue that remains inconsistently managed and insufficiently researched. Evidence underscores the need for early recognition, inclusive assessment, and proactive involvement of therapeutic radiographers within integrated survivorship pathways to support education and timely intervention.

Implications for practice

Embedding menopause education, validated PROMs, and sensitive communication within survivorship care can enhance QoL and promote equitable, multidisciplinary support for cervical cancer survivors.