Importance of sexuality in colorectal cancer: predictors, changes, and response to an intimacy enhancement intervention

Reese, Jennifer Barsky; Haythornthwaite, Jennifer A.

doi:10.1007/s00520-016-3265-4

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Despite the large sample size overall, sample sizes for some diagnoses were small (especially cancer), limiting our ability to reach quantifiable conclusions about these conditions, though recent and ongoing research in cancer will improve our understanding of this. 28 Also, the results are not generalizable to non-English speaking persons in the US and should be replicated in other contexts, including outside the US and within different sociocultural landscapes. Finally, there is a possibility of survey error.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life Throughout the Life Course of U.S. Adults

Flynn

Lin

Bruner

et al. 2016

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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368

168

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Introduction Discussions about sexual health are uncommon in clinical encounters, despite the sexual dysfunction associated with many common health conditions. Understanding of the importance of sexual health and sexual satisfaction among US adults is limited. Aim To provide epidemiologic data on the importance of sexual health for quality of life and people’s satisfaction with their sex lives and to examine how each is associated with demographic and health factors. Methods Data are from a cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire from a sample of 3515 English-speaking US adults recruited from an online panel that uses address-based probability sampling. Main Outcome Measures We report ratings of importance of sexual health to quality of life (single item with 5-point response) and the PROMIS® Satisfaction with Sex Life score (5 items, each with 5-point responses, scores centered on the US mean). Results High importance of sexual health to quality of life was reported by 62.2% of men (95% CI, 59.4%–65.0%) and 42.8% of women (95% CI, 39.6%–46.1%; P < .001). Importance of sexual health varied by sex, age, sexual activity status, and general self-rated health. For the 55% of men and 45% of women who reported sexual activity in the previous 30 days, satisfaction with sex life differed by sex, age, race/ethnicity (among men only), and health. Men and women in excellent health had significantly higher satisfaction than participants in fair or poor health. Women with hypertension reported significantly lower satisfaction (especially younger women), as did men with depression or anxiety (especially younger men). Conclusion In this large study of US adults’ ratings of the importance of sexual health and satisfaction with sex life, sexual health was a highly important aspect of quality of life for many participants, including participants in poor health. Moreover, participants in poorer health reported lower sexual satisfaction. Accordingly, sexual health should be a routine part of clinicians’ assessments of their patients. Health care systems that state a commitment to improving patients’ overall health must have resources in place to address sexual concerns. These resources should be available for all patients across the life span.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life Throughout the Life Course of U.S. Adults

Flynn

Lin

Bruner

et al. 2016

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

Self Cite

368

168

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show abstract

“…As an example, compared to providing information about potential sexual side effects of treatment, which could fit easily into an informed consent discussion, identifying and treating sexual concerns further down the road may require a greater degree of training (e.g., knowledge, competence) and sensitivity to accomplish effectively, making these skills a particularly fruitful target for intervention. From a patient perspective, immediately after a cancer diagnosis, sexuality may take on a lower priority compared to the objective of completing active treatment [69]. Following active treatment, however, survivors may gain interest in maintaining or improving their quality of life, and for many, this includes increased value on sexual function and activity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

et al. 2016

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Purpose Cancer survivors’ needs around sexual concerns are often unmet. The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases for peer-reviewed quantitative research papers (2000–2015) in cancer samples. Search terms across three linked categories were used (sexuality; communication; cancer). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Sexual Function Guidelines were used as a framework to categorize communication reported in each study. Results Twenty-nine studies from 10 countries (29% in USA) were included. Studies assessed patients only (21), providers only (4), and both (4). Communication measures differed across studies and many lacked validity data. When reported by patients or providers, the average prevalence of discussing potential treatment effects on sexual function was 50% (60% for men; 28% for women) and 88%, respectively. As reported by patients or providers, respectively, assessing patients’ sexual concerns (10% and 21%), and offering treatments (22% and 17%) were measured in fewer studies and were reported less frequently. Both patients and providers (28% and 32%, respectively) reported a low prevalence of other non-specific communication. Greater prevalence of communication was associated with male patient gender and more years of provider experience. Conclusions Sexual issues go unaddressed for many cancer survivors, particularly women. Both patient and provider interventions are needed. Implications for Cancer Survivors Enhancing patient-provider communication about sexual concerns through evidence-based interventions could improve patient sexual function and quality of life.

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“…Of the 23 studies, 10 included women only [13-18, 23, 25, 30, 34] and 13 included both men and women [19-22, 24, 26-29, 31-33, 35]. There were 15 cross-sectional survey studies [13-15, 17, 19-21, 24-26, 30-34], 2 psychoeducational interventions [23,27], 5 longitudinal studies [16,18,22,29,345], and 1 pilot study [28].…”

Section: Overview Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The implications of these limited intervention trials are significant. For example, Barsky-Reese et al and DuHammel et al provided evidence that it is essential to not only evaluate patient concerns but efficiently address worry/distress to enhance intimacy [23,27]. Increased attention and considerable effort to identify and manage symptoms of colorectal/anal patients in survivorship can promote adjustment and foster realistic expectations.…”

Section: Overview Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reese and Haythornthwaite looked at the importance of sexuality in terms of predictors, changes, and response to an intimacy enhancement intervention in patients with colorectal cancer [27]. This study noted several factors contributing to how an individual perceives sexuality, such as the presence of an intimate partner, being on active treatment, or having metastatic disease.…”

Section: Study Strengthsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sexual Function in Women with Colorectal/Anal Cancer

Canty

Stabile

Milli

et al. 2019

Sexual Medicine Reviews

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Introduction: Treatments for colorectal and anal cancers can have a detrimental impact on sexual function. Type of treatment, which may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy, varies by disease site and severity. Treatment and long-term side effects can impact sexual function and intimacy for patients and their partners. Aim: To review the literature regarding treatment for colorectal/anal cancer and its impact on female sexual function, and to provide an assessment of medical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of women with a history of colon, rectal, or anal cancer seeking sexual health treatment. Methods: We performed a PubMed search to identify peer-reviewed, English-language articles, published from 2008 to 2018, using the following search terms: "colorectal cancer," or "rectal cancer," or "anal cancer" and "sexual function," or "sexual dysfunction." We also assessed the medical outcomes and PROs from our recent cross-sectional cohort study of 99 women with a history of colon, rectal, or anal cancer seeking sexual health treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Sexual function, quality of life, and PROs after colorectal/anal cancer Results: Twenty-three studies were identified. Study designs included 15 cross-sectional survey studies, 5 longitudinal studies, 2 psychoeducational interventions, and 1 pilot study. Ten studies included women and 13 included both men and women. The literature and our cohort confirmed

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Importance of sexuality in colorectal cancer: predictors, changes, and response to an intimacy enhancement intervention

Abstract: Coping with sexual concerns is important to those affected by colorectal cancer. Findings suggest that the importance of sexuality can decrease through colorectal cancer and associated sexual problems and can increase through participating in an intimacy-focused intervention.

Cited by 8 publications

References 36 publications

Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life Throughout the Life Course of U.S. Adults

Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life Throughout the Life Course of U.S. Adults

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

Sexual Function in Women with Colorectal/Anal Cancer

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