Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42060564›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Exploring the experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of caregivers of women with Ovarian Cancer: A scoping review.

Gabrielle C Smith, Matthew R Langiano, Junhee Baek, Esme Fuller-Thomson

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Gabrielle C SmithFactor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Matthew R LangianoFactor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Junhee BaekFactor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0286-3903
Esme Fuller-ThomsonFactor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9705-6216

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundOvarian cancer (OC) is among the most lethal gynecological malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Significant attention has been given to the experiences of OC patients; however, the experiences of their family caregivers have been largely overlooked.

objectivesThe objectives of this scoping review is to characterize the scope, nature and focus of the existing literature describing the experiences of caregivers' of individuals with OC during the caregiving process and after the care recipient's death, and to identify gaps in the literature.

methodsThis scoping review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework. Comprehensive searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Social Work Abstracts to identify literature on caregivers of individuals living with OC. A total of 739 titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, 123 full-text articles were assessed, and 32 met inclusion criteria for data extraction. Themes were extracted after the reviewers carefully read through the selected articles.

resultsMain themes included (1) the well-being and mental health of caregivers, with two sub-themes (a) emotional well-being and mental health, (b) grief, bereavement and post-traumatic stress disorder; (2) challenges facing caregivers, with seven sub-themes (a) escalating patients needs and patient experiences, (b) interactions with doctors and medical system, (c) social isolation, (d) family responsibilities, (e) work stressors and financial burdens, (f) health behaviours and inadequate self-care, and (g) intrapersonal stressors; and (3) positive coping strategies with sub-themes (a) spirituality and (b) social support.

conclusionThis scoping review highlights an urgent need for tailored support for OC caregivers and may provide valuable insights for clinical practice in the field of caregiver wellbeing. Future research and greater awareness of the lived experience of OC caregivers may inform policymakers to develop policy initiatives promoting more family-centered care.

Indexed as

Adaptation, PsychologicalCaregiversOvarian NeoplasmsBereavementCoping SkillsFemaleHumansMental HealthStress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Identifiers

PMID42060564
PMCPMC13132214

What OpenQuestion holds

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.