Pregnancy-associated cancer: An exploration of women's experiences and perinatal and neonatal outcomes

Farhana, Sultana

Pregnancy-associated cancer: An exploration of women's experiences and perinatal and neonatal outcomes

Farhana, Sultana

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Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2024

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Farhana, Sultana
dc.date.accessioned	2026-03-17T03:57:54Z
dc.date.available	2026-03-17T03:57:54Z
dc.date.issued	2024
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194355
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Health.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.description.abstract	𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 Pregnancy-associated cancer is a growing clinical challenge due to its complex management and ethical limitations in research. This thesis aimed to explore maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes and the psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis during or shortly after pregnancy. 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 A multi-method design was employed, comprising two quantitative and two qualitative studies. The quantitative phase included a population-based linked data study (1994–2013) investigating pregnancy-associated colorectal cancer (PACRC) in New South Wales and a systematic review and meta-analysis of perinatal outcomes following in utero exposure to systemic therapies. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews exploring healthcare communication (Study 3) and women’s mental health and well-being (Study 4). 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 An increase in PACRC incidence was observed, with higher maternal and neonatal morbidity and intervention rates. Systemic therapy was linked to increased preterm birth but not to congenital anomalies or miscarriage. Communication gaps and a lack of coordinated support were evident, alongside a critical need for mental health and peer support. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 This thesis underscores the importance of multidisciplinary, woman-centred care. It highlights the need for improved communication strategies and tailored psychological support to address the unique challenges of pregnancy-associated cancer.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US.UTF-8
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/194355/1/thesis.pdf
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	© 2024 Sultana Farhana
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/cph
dc.title	Pregnancy-associated cancer: An exploration of women's experiences and perinatal and neonatal outcomes	en_US.UTF-8
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*

Abstract:

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 Pregnancy-associated cancer is a growing clinical challenge due to its complex management and ethical limitations in research. This thesis aimed to explore maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes and the psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis during or shortly after pregnancy. 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 A multi-method design was employed, comprising two quantitative and two qualitative studies. The quantitative phase included a population-based linked data study (1994–2013) investigating pregnancy-associated colorectal cancer (PACRC) in New South Wales and a systematic review and meta-analysis of perinatal outcomes following in utero exposure to systemic therapies. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews exploring healthcare communication (Study 3) and women’s mental health and well-being (Study 4). 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 An increase in PACRC incidence was observed, with higher maternal and neonatal morbidity and intervention rates. Systemic therapy was linked to increased preterm birth but not to congenital anomalies or miscarriage. Communication gaps and a lack of coordinated support were evident, alongside a critical need for mental health and peer support. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 This thesis underscores the importance of multidisciplinary, woman-centred care. It highlights the need for improved communication strategies and tailored psychological support to address the unique challenges of pregnancy-associated cancer.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194355