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Sexual quality of life after the treatment of gynecologic cancer: what women want.
- Source :
-
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer [Support Care Cancer] 2019 Dec; Vol. 27 (12), pp. 4649-4654. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Apr 02. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Purpose: While the incidence of sexual dysfunction after treatment for gynecologic malignancies is well documented, few studies describe how patients want healthcare providers to address these concerns. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in sexual function and describe patient preferences regarding healthcare provider roles in addressing and treating sexual dysfunction in gynecologic cancer survivors.<br />Methods: Patients undergoing gynecologic cancer treatment from 2013 to 2014 at a single University-based Gynecologic Cancer clinic were surveyed using a modified Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ), along with questions relating to healthcare provider interactions and preferences.<br />Results: Among 277 eligible patients approached to participate, 85 (30.7%) completed the survey. The mean age was 52.2 ± 12.3 years; most were non-Hispanic White (78.8%), partnered (73.2%), had endometrial or ovarian cancer (30.6% and 44.7%, respectively), and were in surveillance (57.3%). Most women (64.7%) reported much or great sexual enjoyment 1 year prior to cancer treatment which decreased to 27.4% currently; 33.3% report only rare sexual activity. There were no statistically significant differences in mean total CSFQ scores by treatment modality. A minority wanted healthcare providers to initiate sexual health discussions (25.3%); the remaining reported not wanting sexual health addressed or preferred raising the issue themselves. The most commonly cited barrier to communication was the feeling that there are more important issues to discuss with their oncology providers (46.2%).<br />Conclusions: While gynecologic cancer patients report changes in sexual function following cancer therapy, many believe there are other issues more paramount to be addressed. Further studies are warranted to develop better strategies for addressing sexual health in women receiving treatment for gynecologic cancers.
- Subjects :
- Cancer Survivors psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Genital Neoplasms, Female physiopathology
Genital Neoplasms, Female psychology
Humans
Middle Aged
Patient Preference
Quality of Life
Sexual Behavior physiology
Sexual Behavior psychology
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological physiopathology
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological psychology
Sexual Health
Genital Neoplasms, Female therapy
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1433-7339
- Volume :
- 27
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30941579
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04756-7