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. 2017 Aug;165(1):77-84.
doi: 10.1007/s10549-017-4305-6. Epub 2017 May 25.

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Cara Stabile  1 , Shari Goldfarb  2   3   4 , Raymond E Baser  5 , Deborah J Goldfrank  1   6 , Nadeem R Abu-Rustum  1   6 , Richard R Barakat  1   6 , Maura N Dickler  2   4 , Jeanne Carter  7   8   9   10
Affiliations

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

Cara Stabile et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Aug.

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 completed 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, and 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.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Gynecologic cancer; Intervention; Patient preference; Sexual health; Vaginal health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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