Sexual functioning after ovarian cancer: are women receiving the information and support they need?

Russell, Hayley; Knoetze, Elizabeth; Wilson, Victoria; Little, Ruth

doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06733-5

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Of note, the fear of recurrence was often increased at the end of active treatment and during follow-up appointments; this is consistent with 48% of our respondents feeling particularly in need of emotional support at the end of initial treatment, second only to the time of diagnosis (66%; data not shown). Issues related to sexual health-including loss of interest in sex, coping with treatment-induced menopause and loss of fertility-were more common in women diagnosed at a younger age in our study; several studies reveal that treatment-induced effects on sexual health are both prevalent and not adequately addressed in women with OC [49][50][51]. The need for additional support in all of these areas is exemplified by our finding that only 37% of respondents were offered emotional support by a healthcare provider (data not shown), slightly higher than the 28% reported by the global study [10].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Understanding the Experience of Canadian Women Living with Ovarian Cancer through the Every Woman StudyTM

2022

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The Every Woman StudyTM: Canadian Edition is the most comprehensive study to date exploring patient-reported experiences of ovarian cancer (OC) on a national scale. An online survey conducted in Fall 2020 included individuals diagnosed with OC in Canada, reporting responses from 557 women from 11 Canadian provinces/territories. Median age at diagnosis was 54 (11–80), 61% were diagnosed between 2016–2020, 59% were stage III/IV and all subtypes of OC were represented. Overall, 23% had a family history of OC, 75% had genetic testing and 19% reported having a BRCA1/2 mutation. Most (87%) had symptoms prior to diagnosis. A timely diagnosis of OC (≤3 months from first presentation with symptoms) was predicted by age (>50) or abdominal pain/persistent bloating as the primary symptom. Predictors of an acute diagnosis (<1 month) included region, ER/urgent care doctor as first healthcare provider or stage III/IV disease. Regional differences in genetic testing, treatments and clinical trial participation were also noted. Respondents cited substantial physical, emotional, practical and financial impacts of an OC diagnosis. Our national survey has revealed differences in the pathway to diagnosis and post-diagnostic care among Canadian women with OC, with region, initial healthcare provider, specific symptoms and age playing key roles. We have identified many opportunities to improve both clinical and supportive care of OC patients across the country.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Understanding the Experience of Canadian Women Living with Ovarian Cancer through the Every Woman StudyTM

2022

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“…As well as contributing these valuable data to the literature, our findings have clinical implications that reflect the need for health professionals to create an open dialogue with women affected by OC, as well as their partners (Stafford et al, 2022). Clinicians should have detailed and in-depth discussions about sexuality prior to the commencement of treatment and alongside ongoing treatment discussion (Fischer et al, 2019;Whicker et al, 2017) while acknowledging how sociocultural expectations may influence the way women view, see and think about themselves during and following treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

‘Sometimes I can't look in the mirror’: Recognising the importance of the sociocultural context in patient experiences of sexuality, relationships and body image after ovarian cancer

Boding

Russell

Knoetze

et al. 2022

European J Cancer Care

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Objective: Ovarian cancer (OC) can significantly change the way women feel about their body. However, personal accounts regarding these changes are lacking in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the ways in which OC can affect relationships, sexuality, womanhood and body image.Methods: Ninety-eight Australian women aged 18 and over diagnosed with OC completed an online survey that invited narrative responses to open-ended questions about relationships, sexuality, body image and womanhood following OC treatment.Responses were analysed thematically while applying a sociocultural lens.Results: Three themes and two subthemes were identified: Failure and Loss of Femininity and Womanhood, Internalising Public Perception of Body and Illness and Altered Relationships which comprised two subthemes, Loss of the Sexual Self and Relationship Burden. These themes suggest women view themselves and their relationships in comparison with sociocultural understandings of body normalcy. Women often questioned their self-worth, their relationships and place within society due to changes in fertility, sexuality and bodily functioning. Conclusion:These results highlight a need for health care professionals to open dialogue with women about sexuality and ensure information and support is given to reduce stigma and positively influence self-perception and increase body acceptance.

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“…Stafford et al [ 41 ], using a multivariate model and demographic, medical and psychosocial predictors, showed that married women, under 56 years of age and untreated, accepted their appearance and, with a longer period of time from diagnosis, were significantly more sexually active [ 41 ]. That is why it is so important to raise the qualifications of medical personnel in discussing physical and sexual changes related to the proposed and necessary oncological treatment [ 42 ]. Interestingly, Mayer et al [ 43 ] in a study of 396 women with breast cancer and 93 women with ovarian cancer, noted that within a period of at least 24 months from receiving the diagnosis, the patients did not declare any effect on sexual activity and quality of life regardless of the type and radicality of the procedure or chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer, which is contrary to our observations [ 43 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Surgical Treatment with Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer on Disorders in the Urinary System and Quality of Life in Women

Opławski

Grabarek²,

Średnicka

et al. 2022

JCM

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Ovarian cancer is the fourth-most-common cause of death among all malignant cancers in women in Poland. This study aimed to compare the functioning of the urinary system and quality of life in women in the 12-month period following the completion of surgery or adjuvant treatment for ovarian cancer, with patients who underwent a hysterectomy for non-oncological reasons (control group). The study group consisted of 50 patients diagnosed with stage I–III ovarian cancer. Among 38 patients with type II ovarian cancer (group A), surgery followed by first-line chemotherapy was performed. Within this group of patients, 20 had stage I ovarian cancer, while 18 had stage II ovarian cancer. The study was performed at least 6 months after the final chemotherapy cycle, with no clinical, marker or radiological recurrence determined. On the other hand, in 12 patients with stage I type I ovarian cancer, oncological treatment consisted of only surgery, without the need for adjuvant chemotherapy, due to the low stage of the lesions (group B). In turn, the control group consisted of 50 women who underwent uterine removal for non-oncological reasons (group C). The assessment of quality of life was conducted using the questionnaires: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS); Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, short form (IIQ-7); Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6); and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the conclusion of oncological treatment. During the follow-up, a significant reduction in the quality of everyday life and sexual life was noted among patients with ovarian cancer, more pronounced in group B, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The risk of urinary incontinence is independent of the treatment regimen chosen for ovarian cancer. It is necessary to consider comprehensive psychological care and sexual therapy in patients with ovarian cancer and their families.

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Sexual functioning after ovarian cancer: are women receiving the information and support they need?

Cited by 8 publications

References 14 publications

Understanding the Experience of Canadian Women Living with Ovarian Cancer through the Every Woman StudyTM

Understanding the Experience of Canadian Women Living with Ovarian Cancer through the Every Woman StudyTM

‘Sometimes I can't look in the mirror’: Recognising the importance of the sociocultural context in patient experiences of sexuality, relationships and body image after ovarian cancer

The Impact of Surgical Treatment with Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer on Disorders in the Urinary System and Quality of Life in Women

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