| Summary: | Background: Gynaecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with profound effects on
the lives of women and their families. In this critical review, we explore the impacts of these cancers on quality of life
(QOL) of women in Asian countries, and highlight areas for future inquiry.
Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in six electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus,
Global Health (CAB Direct), PsycINFO (Ovid), EBMR (Ovid), and Medline (Ovid). Screening resulted in the inclusion of 53
relevant articles reporting on 48 studies.
Results: Most studies were conducted in high and upper-middle income countries in East Asia and used quantitative
approaches. Women had predominantly been diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer, and most had completed
treatment. Four key interrelated domains emerged as most relevant in shaping QOL of women affected by gynaeco-
logical cancer: support, including identified needs, sources and forms; mental health, covering psychological distress
associated with cancer, risk and protective factors, and coping strategies; sexual function and sexuality, focused on
physiological, emotional and relational changes caused by gynaecological cancers and treatments, and the impacts
of these on women’s identities; and physical health, covering the physical conditions associated with gynaecological
cancers and their impacts on women’s daily activities.
Conclusion: QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer is shaped by their mental and physical health, sup-
port, and changes in sexual function and sexuality. The limited number of studies from lower- and middle-income
countries in South and Southeast Asia highlights important knowledge gaps requiring future research.
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