Fertility in the Shadow of Cancer: Experiences of Reproductive Loss Among Women with Gynecological Cancers in Ghana

Sep 22, 2026

Gynecological cancers threaten women’s health in Ghana, where late diagnosis, limited specialized care, and treatment-related infertility intensify reproductive and psychosocial harm. This qualitative descriptive study explored women’s lived experiences of reproductive loss among patients receiving care at a tertiary referral hospital. Fourteen women aged 22–48, with cervical, ovarian, uterine, or endometrial cancers, participated in semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Results identified psychological and emotional strain, social challenges, and coping and resilience strategies, shaping quality of life. Findings support culturally sensitive, holistic fertility counseling and psychosocial support.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

OPEN ACCESS Citation: Afaya A, Amenah DB, Chambas F, Aidoo P, Gideon OA, Vidzor M, et al. (2026) Fertility in the Shadow of Cancer: Experiences of Reproductive Loss Among Women with Gynecological Cancers in Ghana. PLoS One 21(8): e0343859. [https://doi.org/10.1371/](https://doi.org/10.1371/)[ ](https://doi.org/10.1371/)[journal.pone.0343859](journal.pone.0343859) Editor: Alfredo Luis Fort, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Facultad de Medicina, PERU Received: February 16, 2026 Accepted: July 8, 2026 Published: August 14, 2026 Copyright: © 2026 Afaya et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Data availability statement: The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the participants’personal and medical information, as well as ethical restrictions imposed by the University RESEARCH ARTICLE Fertility in the Shadow of Cancer: Experiences of Reproductive Loss Among Women with Gynecological Cancers in Ghana AganiAfaya1, Donald BabamombaAmenah2, Fahd Chambas1, Promise Aidoo1, Ohene Addo Gideon1, Mavis Vidzor1, Bernice Aidoo1, Richard Adongo Afaya3*, Mabel Apaanye Avane1, Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor4, Dennis Bomansang Daliri5, Solomon Mohammed Salia1 1 Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana, 2 Department of Family and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, 3 Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana, 4 School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America, 5 Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital, Bolgatanga, Ghana * [arichard@uds.edu.gh](arichard@uds.edu.gh) Abstract Background 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. Objective This study explored the experiences of reproductive loss among women with gynecological cancers receiving care at a tertiary referral hospital in Ghana. Methods 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. PLOS One | [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343859](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343859) August 14, 2026 1 / 17 of Health and Allied Sciences Institutional Review Board. However, de-identified data maybe available from the corresponding author on reasonable request and subject to approval by the Research Ethics Committee. Additional information or inquiries can be sent to rec@ [uhas.edu.gh](uhas.edu.gh). Funding: The author(s) received no specific funding for this work. Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Results Three interconnected themes and thirteen subthemes emerged from the data: (1) psychological and emotional e

FAQs

What experiences of reproductive loss did women describe in the study?

Women described reproductive loss as a threat to womanhood, motherhood, and relational security. Their accounts included fear of rejection, anxiety, denial, and shattered aspirations, intensified by social stigma and strained intimate relationships.

How was the qualitative study conducted?

The study used a qualitative descriptive design with purposive recruitment of 14 women aged 22–48. Semi-structured interviews (30–45 minutes) were conducted face-to-face or by telephone, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis.

What coping and resilience strategies did participants use?

Coping included adherence to treatment, dietary changes, prayer, and relying on family support. These strategies helped sustain hope and resilience through fertility-related distress.

Sep 22, 2026

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