Gender role conflicts experienced by Indonesian women with gynecological cancer: A phenomenological study

Background: Gynecological cancer and its treatments can lead to sexual problems,
potentially disrupting the gender role performance of women. Sexuality and gender roles are
context-specific, yet these issues remain unexplored in the Indonesian context.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the gender role conflicts experienced by Indonesian
women having gynecological cancer.
Method: A qualitative design with a phenomenology approach was utilized in this study. Data
were collected through individualized, face-to-face, in-depth interviews conducted from 1 April
to 30 December 2022 with 22 women diagnosed with gynecological cancer who had
undergone treatments at the Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. Data were
analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes were developed: 1) challenges in fulfilling female gender roles after
having cancer diagnosis and therapies, 2) emotional struggles related to gender role conflicts,
and 3) efforts to cope with gender role conflicts.
Conclusion: The study sheds light on how sexual complications due to gynecological cancer
and its treatments extend beyond physical issues. A deeper layer of problems around sexual
dysfunctions among gynecological cancer survivors is often rooted in traditional gender-role
expectations. Nurses should have a comprehensive and contextual understanding of the
unique experiences of women living with gynecological cancer to facilitate a positive
adaptation to their cancer journey.