Qualitative analysis of gynecologic oncology patients’ experience with treatment holidays

•Treatment holidays are a common practice for gynecologic oncologists, but data from the patient perspective are lacking.•A qualitative analysis relates the experience of patients with gynecologic malignancies with treatment holidays.•Treatment holidays act as a break from the physical and psychological routine of being a cancer patient.•Unique emotional needs arise from feelings related to uncertainty and a confrontation with mortality issues.•Participants had largely favorable experiences of treatment holidays.