Patient Experiences of Radiation-Induced Menopause in Cervical Cancer: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to map and synthesise existing literature on the experiences and quality-of-life impacts of radiation-induced menopause in patients with cervical and endometrial cancer. Early menopause, or primary ovarian insufficiency, is a recognised consequence of pelvic radiotherapy, often presenting gradually and unpredictably compared to surgical menopause. Alongside physiological effects such as vasomotor symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and increased risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, radiation-induced menopause can profoundly affect psychological wellbeing, identity, relationships, and overall quality of life. The review will explore how patients experience and manage these changes, what supportive interventions have been reported, and how healthcare services address survivorship needs in this context. By identifying research gaps, this review will highlight priorities for future investigation and inform the development of supportive care strategies tailored to gynaecological cancer patients. We will follow established scoping review frameworks, with searches conducted across major health databases and grey literature. Inclusion criteria will encompass qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies reporting on patient experiences of radiation-induced menopause after treatment for cervical or endometrial cancer. The findings will provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence base, supporting clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to better understand patient needs and improve survivorship care.