WHAM-C

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    What Happens After Menopause induced by gynaecological Cancer treatment?

  • IRAS ID

    340771

  • Contact name

    Shibani Nicum

  • Contact email

    s.nicum@ucl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University College London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    The outcomes for women’s (gynaecological) cancers of the ovary, womb (uterus) and cervix are significantly improving. However, cancer treatments often result in abrupt menopause, negatively affecting quality of life. A national patient survey identified a need for improved menopause care following gynaecological cancer treatment as despite more than 60% of women having symptoms, menopause was never discussed. A number of studies in breast cancer survivors have looked at the impacts of menopause, but there is limited information for women with gynaecological cancer.

    We will be inviting 96 women from 2 cancer centre hospitals in London to take part in our study. We will monitor their menopause symptoms and impact on quality of life through the first 2 years of their cancer journey. We will do this by asking participants to complete approved questionnaires at intervals before and after their cancer treatment. We will not change the menopause care we offer women. We will also observe how the different treatment options women choose impact their symptoms.

    The ‘What Happens After Menopause induced by gynaecological Cancer treatment?
    study will be the first to measure the impact of menopause symptoms in newly diagnosed gynaecological cancer patients. It will also validate a standardised assessment of menopause symptoms, the MENQOL questionnaire, in women with gynaecological cancers. Information from this study will be invaluable in informing patients of what to expect following cancer treatment and in helping to improve the support we provide, including access to menopause specialists and counselling.

  • REC name

    South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/SC/0067

  • Date of REC Opinion

    5 Mar 2025

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion