Cancer-related stigma in gynaecological cancers: A mixed-methods systematic review of quantitative associations and...

To synthesise quantitative and qualitative evidence on cancer-related stigma among women with gynaecological cancers and examine its associations with psychosocial outcomes and healthcare engagement.

A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus were searched from January 2015 to May 2026. Quantitative and qualitative studies examining cancer-related stigma among women with gynaecological cancers were included. Quantitative findings were narratively synthesised, qualitative findings were thematically synthesised, and both were integrated using a convergent integrated approach.

Nineteen studies were included, comprising eight quantitative and eleven qualitative studies. Quantitative evidence indicated that higher levels of cancer-related stigma were associated with greater psychological distress, depressive symptoms, reduced social support, symptom burden, and poorer quality of life. Qualitative findings revealed experiences of shame, self-blame, concealment, fear of disclosure, social withdrawal, relational disruption, and barriers to healthcare engagement. Cancer-related stigma was often shaped by sociocultural meanings related to sexuality, femininity, and reproductive identity, particularly in cervical cancer contexts. Integrated findings informed an interpretive framework highlighting interrelated intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural dimensions of stigma experiences.

Cancer-related stigma represents an important psychosocial concern for women with gynaecological cancers, particularly those with cervical cancer. Findings highlight the importance of stigma-sensitive psychosocial assessment, communication, and supportive care in oncology nursing practice. Given the predominance of cross-sectional evidence, further longitudinal and intervention research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and inform culturally responsive care.