Background
Sexual dysfunction is a frequently reported consequence of rectal/anal cancer treatment for female patients.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to conduct a small randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a telephone-based, four-session Cancer Survivorship Intervention-Sexual Health (CSI-SH).
Methods
Participants (N = 70) were stratified by chemotherapy, stoma, and menopause statuses before randomization to CSI-SH or assessment only (AO). Participants were assessed at baseline, 4 months (follow-up 1), and 8 months (follow-up 2).
Results
The intervention had medium effect sizes from baseline to follow-up 1, which decreased by follow-up 2. Effect sizes were larger among the 41 sexually active women. Unadjusted means at the follow-ups were not significantly different between the treatment arms. Adjusting for baseline scores, demographics, and medical variables, the intervention arm had significantly better emotional functioning at follow-ups 1 and 2 and less cancer-specific stress at follow-up 1 compared to the AO arm.
Conclusion
The data supported the hypothesized effects on improved sexual and psychological functioning and quality of life in CSI-SH female rectal/anal cancer survivors compared to the AO condition.
Condensed Abstract
This pilot study (N = 70) of CSI-SH supported the impact of this intervention on sexual and psychological functioning and quality of life on rectal and anal cancer survivors compared with an AO condition. However, intervention effects were stronger at follow-up 1 as compared to follow-up 2 and were stronger for sexually active women.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
Women may benefit from a brief, four-session, sexual health intervention after treatment from rectal and anal cancer.
Introduction
Sexual dysfunction represents a complex and multifactorial construct that can affect both men and women and has been noted to often deteriorate significantly after treatment for rectal and anal cancer. Despite this, it remains an understudied, underreported and undertreated issue in the field of cancer survivorship.
Aim
This study examined the characteristics of women enrolled in an intervention trial to treat sexual dysfunction, and explored the relationship between sexual functioning and psychological well-being.
Main Outcomes Measures
Quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30 & QLQ-CR38), sexual functioning (FSFI) and psychological well-being (BSI Depression/Anxiety, IES-R, CR-38 Body Image).
Methods
There were 70 female post-treatment anal or rectal cancer survivors assessed as part of the current study. Participants were enrolled in a randomized intervention trial to treat sexual dysfunction and completed outcome measures prior to randomization.
Results
Women enrolled in the study intervention were on average 55 years old, predominantly Caucasian (79%), married (57%) and a median of 4 years post-primary treatment. For those reporting sexual activity at baseline (N=41), sexual dysfunction was associated with a range of specific measures of psychological well-being, all in the hypothesized direction. The Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction subscale was associated with all measures of psychological well-being (r=−.45 to −.70, all p<.01). Body image, anxiety and cancer-specific post-traumatic distress were notable in their association with subscales of sexual functioning, while a global quality of life measure was largely unrelated.
Conclusions
For sexually-active female rectal and anal cancer survivors enrolled in a sexual health intervention, sexual dysfunction was significantly and consistently associated with specific measures of psychological well-being, most notably Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction. These results suggest that sexual functioning may require focused assessment by providers, beyond broad quality of life assessments, and that attention to Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction may be critical in the development and implementation of interventions for this cohort of patients.
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