Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Abstract

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.

Patient-reported health problems and healthcare use after treatment for early-stage breast cancer

“…In total, 17% of our respondents reported problems with sexuality. The actual proportion of patients with sexuality problems may be higher, as patients may feel uncomfortable reporting these problems [20]. Furthermore, the negative effects of autologous breast reconstruction on arm symptoms, and breast conserving therapy (with additional radiotherapy) on breast symptoms have already been described in the literature [21].…”

Sexual Function in Women with Colorectal/Anal Cancer

“…In a study by Da Silva et al, 81% of women stated that it was somewhat-to-extremely important to discuss sexual issues with their provider [18]. Studies with cancer survivors suggest they would like to have conversations on sexuality with their medical team [46]. Additionally, many couples report a desire for candid conversations about sexual health challenges [5,47].…”

Depression, Sexual dysfunction and Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients with Ovarian Function Suppression: A Cross Sectional Study between Ovarian Ablation Verse GnRH Agonists

“…A possible explanation for these results may be the age differences and the spontaneous degeneration of sexual desire. Previous publishes studies suggested tamoxifen associated with sexual dysfunction remained controversy in premenopausal patients [35,36]. Mild and partial estrogen effect of tamoxifen actually buffered postmenopausal vaginal dryness and the surveys did demonstrate that sexual desire decreased in patients treated with tamoxifen.…”