Stigma, Perceived Stress, and Quality of Life in Women With Gynecological Cancer

Aim This study aimed to determine the levels of stigma, perceived stress, and quality of life in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. Methods This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 100 women between November 2023 and February 2024. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Cancer Stigma Scale (CSS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Results The participants’ mean age was 59.64 ± 11.82 years. The majority were diagnosed with ovarian (53%) or endometrial (36%) cancer. Hair loss (86%) and eyebrow loss (62%) were common. The mean PSS score was 29.38 ± 4.28, and the mean CSS score was 49.85 ± 25.84, indicating moderate levels. Mean subscale scores on the QLQ‐C30 were 69.28 ± 13.03 for functioning, 46.00 ± 23.67 for global quality of life, and 60.23 ± 22.57 for symptoms. Regression analysis showed that stigma and stress explained 10% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusion Stress and stigma are significant predictors of quality of life in women with gynecological cancer. Interventions targeting these psychosocial factors are essential to improving care outcomes.