Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

• DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4305-6
• Publication Date: 2017-05-25T11:21:22Z
• Authors: Cara Stabile; Shari Goldfarb; Raymond E. Baser; Deborah J. Goldfrank; Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum; Richard R. Barakat; Maura N. Dickler; Jeanne Carter
• Keywords: Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Sexual Behavior; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Patient Education as Topic; 5. Gender equality; Prevalence; Humans; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Aged; Health Services Needs and Demand; Patient Preference; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Cross-Sectional Studies; Treatment Outcome; Health Care Surveys; Vagina; Female; Sexual Health; Needs Assessment

To assess sexual/vaginal health issues and educational intervention preferences in women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer.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.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.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.