A marathon without a finish line

Feature Stories | 03 Feb 2025

Life after treatment begins with supporting gynecological cancer survivors as they navigate what comes next.

“I think when we come out … of treatment, that's the worst time … Because you're on your own and … you got to feel like looking for resources”- Patient excerpt from ‘Coping with fear of cancer recurrence among ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural settings: A qualitative study (European Journal of Oncology Nursing)

Cancer treatment is sometimes compared to running a marathon: a physically and emotionally exhausting process with highs and lows, requiring both endurance and strength to navigate. For survivors, the end of treatment—whether it involved surgery, radiation or other approaches—is a hard-won milestone.

But the truth is that there is no finish line at the end of treatment. Cancer is a marathon you never stop running. The journey doesn’t end with the completion of medical interventions; the road forward for survivors and their caregivers can be just as long and challenging as active treatment, with profound effects on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Jacqueline Galica, a researcher at Queen’s School of Nursing, is well acquainted with these challenges. With years of experience working as a clinical oncology nurse, she has seen how the transition from treatment to survivorship—sometimes referred to as recovery or surveillance—can leave survivors feeling adrift, unsure of what comes next.

Dr. Jacqueline Galica

To address this, Dr. Galica partnered with cancer survivor Kathleen (Kathi) Robb to co-lead a unique research project. Together, they assembled a team of clinicians, researchers, and patient advisors to create a comprehensive guide for gynecological cancer survivors and their caregivers, offering support as they navigate life after treatment.

“As my career shifted from a clinical role to an academic one, I was no longer regularly engaging with patients and their families,” says Dr. Galica. “I felt that something was missing from my research: the voices of those with lived experience.”

“That’s when I sought someone who was cancer survivor and willing to partner with me in leading a research project. Kathi enthusiastically answered my call. Together, we worked to identify meaningful research questions rooted in the gynecological cancer experience, which, at that time, revealed a need for more educational resources focused on what to expect after cancer treatment.”

To ensure that the guide’s content resonated with real needs, Dr. Galica and the team gathered personal experiences and best practices to address the most common challenges faced during the survivorship period. Drafts were then reviewed and tested practically with a group of gynecological cancer survivors and caregivers who provided further input—staying true to Dr. Galica’s research philosophy of creating a resource shaped by those who would benefit most.
For example, partner intimacy and sexual health is often an area of concern for survivors after treatment for gynecological cancer. In response, the team included a guide section on navigating changes in sexual health, communicating with partners, and seeking additional professional support if needed. Other topics covered include body and self- image concerns, changes in physical and emotional health, as well as the process of returning to work after treatment. The guide also features links to further local and national support options for each topic.

From Research to Real-World Impact

Adapted and promoted by Ontario Health’s Cancer Care Ontario network, the guide is currently used by clinicians and survivors across the province. By equipping survivors and caregivers with practical knowledge, expert resources and compassionate guidance, Dr. Galica aims to transform uncertainty into empowerment--helping individuals reclaim their lives post-treatment with renewed confidence.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that this research has moved forward in such a way that it has potential to reach people across Ontario’s vast clinical cancer network,” says Dr. Galica.

“It highlights the importance, and perhaps even the necessity, of breaking down academic and clinical silos to collaborate with individuals we may not typically engage with, like patients and their families. Building these relationships and conducting this kind of research takes time and respectful dialogue. Our team has documented our experiences, which can be helpful to guide other research teams.”

To access post-treatment patient guides for gynecological cancer survivors and their care partners, visit the Cancer Care Ontario website.

Editor’s note: We’re deeply sadden to acknowledge the passing of Kathleen Robb, the patient co-lead on this research project, in September 2023. As noted in this story, Kathi’s insight, wisdom, and perspectives were instrumental in shaping this resource for gynecological cancer survivors and their caregivers. The guide stands as a testament to her passion for patient advocacy in research, and the project team is grateful to have had the immense privilege of learning from and collaborating with her.

A marathon without a finish line

Life after treatment begins with supporting gynecological cancer survivors as they navigate what comes next.

From Research to Real-World Impact

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