Perceptions of Chinese Patients Treated for Gynaecological Cancer about Sexual Health and Sexual Information Provided by Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Patients treated for gynaecological cancer (GC) generally experience impaired sexual function. Research on their sexual life experiences and perceptions on the sexuality care they receive is warranted. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of Chinese patients treated for GC regarding the effects of cancer treatment on their sexual function and femininity, their relationships with their partners, and the adequacy of the sexual information received from healthcare professionals during treatment. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Chinese patients treated for GC, collecting data on their perceptions regarding the effects of cancer treatment on their sexual lives, femininity, and relationships with partners; and their views about the quality of sexuality care received. Data were analysed using content analysis. Participants experienced impaired sexual function, reduced sex drive, and expressed dissatisfaction with their sex lives. They perceived a loss of femininity and poor body image. They desired more information about how to address sexual problems and opted to receive this information from female healthcare professionals in individual counselling sessions during which the professionals could initiate such discussions. Overall, Chinese patients treated for GC have concerns about multiple sexual issues and a strong desire for information about strategies to address these issues. Nurse-led interventions should be implemented via a shared care approach to enhance patients’ awareness about managing their sexual and psychological symptoms.

Nursing Management and Adverse Events in Thyroid Cancer Treatments with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. A Narrative Review

“…In conclusion, adverse events during therapy with sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib and vandetanib are common to the four compounds, are frequently experienced by all patients at least once during treatment and are generally not life-threatening, excluding cardiovascular AEs [ 74 ]. A proactive educational nursing approach aimed at the prevention and correct management of toxicities during therapy, together with a contribution of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, is essential in optimizing therapeutic adherence, satisfying a patients’ need for information [ 39 , 75 ], maximizing benefits, reducing risks and medication errors [ 76 ], and positively impacting the QoL of both patient and their family.…”

Sexual Functioning of Patients with Gynecologic Cancers: A Qualitative Synthesis

“…Eleven of the studies mentioned that gynecologic cancer patients frequently cause changes in sexual function, including lack of orgasm, difficulty evoking physical arousal, loss of desire in sexual activity, and discomfort during sexual activities [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]). The majority of women who reported their sexual experiences said that the illness process made them unwilling to engage in sexual activity after receiving cancer therapy and treatment [14].…”

A nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme for rebuilding sexuality and intimacy after treatment for gynaecological cancer: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Sexual dysfunction is the most common long‐lasting consequence of GC and its related treatments, affecting 50% of survivors. Such problems usually persist over a long period of time (Audette & Waterman, 2010; Chow et al, 2021). Common sexual problems encountered by GC survivors are reduced quality and frequency of sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, a shortened vagina, difficulties in reaching orgasm and diminished sexual desire (Bal et al, 2013).…”

“…All of these factors lead to impairments in sexual functioning and disruptions to intimacy (Bakker, Kenter, et al, 2017). Chinese GC survivors also have misconceptions and undue concerns about sexual issues, including concerns about cancer recurrence, infection and transmission of the disease to their partners, resulting in hesitation or resistance when considering a resumption of sexual activity (Chow et al, 2021; Lee et al, 2015).…”