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Review
. 2021 Dec 23;14(1):63.
doi: 10.3390/cancers14010063.

The Impact of Vulvar Cancer on Psychosocial and Sexual Functioning: A Literature Review

Francesca Malandrone  1 , Federica Bevilacqua  2 , Mariagrazia Merola  3   4 , Niccolò Gallio  2 , Luca Ostacoli  1   3 , Sara Carletto  3   4 , Chiara Benedetto  2
Affiliations
Review

The Impact of Vulvar Cancer on Psychosocial and Sexual Functioning: A Literature Review

Francesca Malandrone et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Women who are diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer are at higher risk of psychological distress, sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction with partner relationships. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the psychological, relational and sexual issues experienced by women with vulvar cancer in order to highlight the importance of this issue and improve the quality of care offered to these patients. A review of the literature was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. The results are presented as a narrative synthesis and highlight the massive impact of vulvar cancer: depressive and anxiety symptoms were more frequent in these women, and vulvar cancer may have a negative effect on sexuality from a physical, psychological and behavioural point of view. Factors that may negatively affect these women's lives are shame, insecurity or difficulties in self-care and daily activities. This review highlights the psychosocial and psychosexual issues faced by women diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer, although more studies are needed to better investigate this field of interest and to identify strategies to relieve their psychological distress. Care providers should implement an integrated care model to help women with vulvar cancer recognise and address their unmet needs.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; distress; quality of life; sexual functioning; vulvar cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of the results. This figure shows the main bio–psycho–social factors that impact the psychosocial and sexual well-being of women with vulvar cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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