Assessing the impact of late treatment effects in cervical cancer: an exploratory study of women?s sexuality

Abstract

Cancer survivorship has become a major issue due to people living longer with the effects of cancer treatment. A key issue in this area are the 'iatrogenic effects' of cancer treatments and their adverse impact on the quality of long-term patient survival. This paper considers the late physical effects of treatment for cervical cancer, in particular psychosocial problems associated with sexuality. The aim of this paper was to explore women's sexuality following treatment for cervical cancer. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore the lived experiences of a purposive sample of 13 women 2-3 years after treatment, using in-depth interviewing. The findings demonstrate that cancer treatment can result in a number of late physical effects, including bladder and bowel dysfunction. Moreover, the physical problems led to sexual difficulties experienced several years after treatment. Concerns were expressed by patients about perceived psychosexual difficulties encountered as a result of treatment. In conclusion, the study raises issues associated with the management of late treatment effects and its impact on sexuality. The findings underline the need for effective communication of possible iatrogenic effects of treatment during follow-up care and a need for research to consider the advice and information that women require about long-term treatment effects.

The Sexual Adjustment Process of Cancer Patients and Their Partners: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

“…Thesesexual changesdoimpactthequalityoftherelationshipin differentways. Some studies suggest that sexual problems may be persistent and lead to conflict within the relationship, while other couples strive and succeed to restore a satisfactory sexual relationship (Burns, Costello, Ryan-Woolley, & Davidson, 2007;Walker & Robinson, 2012).…”

Determination of Sexual Problems of Turkish Patients Receiving Gynecologic Cancer Treatment: a Cross-sectional Study

“…However, a supportive relationship tend to decrease psychological distress for patients with cancer (Ananth et al, 2003). Therefore, ensuring the participation of the spouses in the treatment process of the woman starting from the time of cancer diagnosis is important in regards to the woman's ability to cope with problems during the healing process (Burns et al, 2007;Shell, 2007;Sekse et al, 2010).…”

Problematic Areas Related to Sexual Life of Individuals with Gynecological Cancer: A qualitative Study in Turkey

“…Therefore, application of protective medical and surgical initiatives enabling the continuation of fertility is vital in the treatment of especially young women. 8,[11][12][13]16 Another component of sexual health in gynecological cancer that suffers is sexual role. Since women have significant role and responsibilities in the family, gynecological cancer diagnosis causes important changes in the life of both women and their family.…”

“…6,7,[9][10][11] Researches show that most of the women diagnosed with gynecological cancer experience sexual problems such as orgasmic dysfunction, dyspareunia, loss of sexual desire and decrease in sexual intercourse frequency. 5,6,[11][12][13] In our country, due to social, cultural factors and the influence on religion, sexuality is a subject that is not avoided to talk about openly and it is still regarded as a taboo. For this reason, health providers don't regard sexuality as a part of treatment and care due to their feeling of embarrassment.…”

“…For this reason, there is a need for studies to be focused on the effect of gynaecological cancer on sexual health for the women of varied socio-cultural and socio-economic classes in different regions. [8][9][10][12][13][14] In this context, the research was conducted for the purpose of scrutinizing the problem areas of individuals with gynecological cancer regarding their sexual life.…”