Screening for sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer: systematic review and recommendations

Bartula, Iris; Sherman, Kerry A.

doi:10.1007/s10549-013-2685-9

Cited by 59 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 67 publications

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“…Although there are several tools to evaluate sexual dysfunction in cancer patients [44–47], they are not used as frequently as they could be. Evidence suggests that healthcare professionals rarely discuss sexual health issues with women diagnosed with cancer, citing reasons such as a lack of knowledge, time constraints, embarrassment, and a lack of resources [4, 5, 12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Stabile

Goldfarb

Baser

et al. 2017

Breast Cancer Res Treat

105

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Purpose To assess sexual/vaginal health issues and educational intervention preferences in women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer. Methods Patients/survivors took a cross-sectional survey at their outpatient visits. Main outcome measures were sexual dysfunction prevalence, type of sexual/vaginal issues, awareness of treatments, and preferred intervention modalities. Descriptive frequencies were performed, and results were dichotomized by age, treatment status, and disease site. Results Of 218 eligible participants, 109 (50%) had a history of gynecologic and 109 (50%) a history of breast cancer. Median age was 49 years (range, 21–75); 61% were married/cohabitating. Seventy percent (n=153) were somewhat-to-very concerned about sexual function/vaginal health, 55% (n=120) reported vaginal dryness, 39% (n=84) vaginal pain, and 51% (n=112) libido loss. Many had heard of vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, and pelvic floor exercises (97%, 72%, 57%, respectively). Seventy-four percent (n=161) had used lubricants, 28% moisturizers (n=61), and 28% pelvic floor exercises (n=60). Seventy percent (n=152) preferred the topic to be raised by the medical team; 48% (n=105) raised the topic themselves. Most preferred written educational material followed by expert discussion (66%, n=144/218). Compared to women ≥50 years old (41%, n=43/105), younger women (54%, n=61/113) preferred to discuss their concerns face-to-face (p=0.054). Older women were less interested in online interventions (52%, p<0.001), despite 94% having computer access. Conclusion Female cancer patients/survivors have unmet sexual/vaginal health needs. Preferences for receiving sexual health information vary by age. Improved physician-patient communication, awareness, and educational resources using proven sexual health promotion strategies can help women cope with treatment side effects.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Stabile

Goldfarb

Baser

et al. 2017

Breast Cancer Res Treat

105

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“…Only 17.3% of participants reported no interest in sex (for various reasons), suggesting that a large proportion do want to engage in some level of sexual activity and thus may experience considerable distress over being unable to do so. BCS report wanting information on sexual rehabilitation but rarely is the issue brought up in clinical appointments [37]. This BCS group also appears to experience greater sexual dysfunction than a heterogeneous group of female cancer survivors and a healthy female population (Table 4).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors experiencing body image disturbance

et al. 2015

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“…One review identified 30 self-reported measures of sexual function used in quantitative studies in women with breast cancer (Bartula & Sherman, 2013), while another identified eight measures used in women with cervical cancer (Ye, Yang, Cao, Lang, & Shen, 2014). The large number of sexual function measures suggests interest in this quality of life domain, but also creates a quandary in the selection of measures appropriate for oncology settings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Reported Sexual Function Measures Administered to Female Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review, 2008–2014

Jeffery¹,

Barbera

Andersen

et al. 2015

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

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Background A systematic review was conducted to identify and characterize self-reported sexual function (SF) measures administered to women with a history of cancer. Methods Using 2009 PRISMA guidelines, we searched electronic bibliographic databases for quantitative studies published January 2008–September 2014 that used a self-reported measure of SF, or a quality of life (QOL) measure that contained at least one item pertaining to SF. Results Of 1,487 articles initially identified, 171 were retained. The studies originated in 36 different countries with 23% from U.S.-based authors. Most studies focused on women treated for breast, gynecologic, or colorectal cancer. About 70% of the articles examined SF as the primary focus; the remaining examined QOL, menopausal symptoms, or compared treatment modalities. We identified 37 measures that assessed at least one domain of SF, eight of which were dedicated SF measures developed with cancer patients. Almost one-third of the studies used EORTC QLQ modules to assess SF, and another third used the Female Sexual Function Inventory. There were few commonalities among studies, though nearly all demonstrated worse SF after cancer treatment or compared to healthy controls. Conclusions QOL measures are better suited to screening while dedicated SF questionnaires provide data for more in depth assessment. This systematic review will assist oncology clinicians and researchers in their selection of measures of SF and encourage integration of this quality of life domain in patient care.

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Screening for sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer: systematic review and recommendations

Cited by 59 publications

References 67 publications

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors experiencing body image disturbance

Self-Reported Sexual Function Measures Administered to Female Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review, 2008–2014

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