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Chang CP, Ho TF, Snyder J, Dodson M, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Date A, Henry NL, Hashibe M. Breast cancer survivorship and sexual dysfunction: a population-based cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 200:103-113. [PMID: 37160510 PMCID: PMC10382144 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06953-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women and an increasing number of people are living as breast cancer survivors. While the prognosis of breast cancer continues to improve, the rates of sexual dysfunction and the risk related to cancer treatments have not been well characterized in a population-based study. METHODS We identified a cohort of 19,709 breast cancer survivors diagnosed between 1997 and 2017 from the Utah Cancer Registry, and 93,389 cancer-free women who were matched by age and birth state from the Utah Population Database. Sexual dysfunction diagnoses were identified through ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes from electronic medical records and statewide healthcare facilities data. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios for risk of sexual dysfunction. RESULTS Breast cancer survivors were at higher risk of sexual dysfunction diagnosis (9.1% versus 6.9%, HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.51-1.70) compared to the general population. This risk increased 2.05-fold within 1 to 5 years after cancer diagnosis (95% CI 1.89-2.22) and 3.05-fold in individuals diagnosed with cancer at < 50 years of age (95% CI 2.65-3.51). Cancer treatments including endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction among breast cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS Risk of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors is higher than in the general population, but may be underdiagnosed in the clinical setting. Health care professionals should be encouraged to address the topic of sexual health early on in the treatment of breast cancer, and routinely screen patients for symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Pin Chang
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Tiffany F Ho
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John Snyder
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mark Dodson
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Vikrant Deshmukh
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael Newman
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ankita Date
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - N Lynn Henry
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mia Hashibe
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Chang CP, Wilson CM, Rowe K, Snyder J, Dodson M, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Fraser A, Smith K, Date A, Stanford JB, Gaffney D, Mooney K, Hashibe M. Sexual dysfunction among gynecologic cancer survivors in a population-based cohort study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:51. [PMID: 36526929 PMCID: PMC9850804 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Treatment for gynecologic cancer is associated with sexual dysfunction, which may present during and/or after treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of sexual dysfunction among gynecologic cancer survivors compared to cancer-free women in a population-based cohort study. We identified a cohort of 4863 endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer survivors diagnosed between 1997 and 2012 in the Utah Cancer Registry. Up to five cancer-free women were matched to cancer survivors (N = 22,693). We used ICD-9 codes to identify sexual dysfunction. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sexual dysfunction with adjustment for potential confounders. Approximately 6.6% of gynecologic cancer survivors had sexual dysfunction diagnoses 1-5 years after cancer diagnosis. Gynecologic cancer survivors had higher risks of overall sexual dysfunction (HR: 2.51, 95% CI: 2.16, 2.93), dyspareunia (HR: 3.27, 95% CI: 2.63, 4.06), and vaginal dryness (HR: 2.63, 95% CI: 2.21, 3.12) compared to a general population of women, 1-5 years after cancer diagnosis. Sexual dysfunction was associated with advance cancer stage (HRRegional vs. Localized: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.31), radiation therapy (HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.31), and chemotherapy (HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.50). This large cohort study confirms that there is an increased risk of sexual dysfunction among gynecologic cancer survivors when compared to the general population. Further investigation is needed to address the risk factors for sexual dysfunction and to improve patient-provider communication, diagnosis, documentation, and treatment of sexual dysfunction among gynecologic cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Pin Chang
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, and Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Christina M Wilson
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kerry Rowe
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John Snyder
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mark Dodson
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Vikrant Deshmukh
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael Newman
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alison Fraser
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ken Smith
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ankita Date
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joseph B Stanford
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David Gaffney
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kathi Mooney
- College of Nursing, and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mia Hashibe
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, and Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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Clinician and Patient Communication on Body Image, Sexuality, and Sexual Function in Gynecologic Cancer: An Integrative Review. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-022-09736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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de Souza C, Santos AVDSL, Rodrigues ECG, Dos Santos MA. Experience of Sexuality in Women with Gynecological Cancer: Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. Cancer Invest 2021; 39:607-620. [PMID: 33826457 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.1912079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Gynecological cancers have an impact on women's psychosexual health in which results vary from adjuvant cancer therapy, such as loss of pleasure, to anxious symptoms. This study aimed to present a meta-synthesis of qualitative primary studies on the sexual experience of women with gynecological cancer. The SPIDER tool and the PRISMA guidelines were used to recover evidence from the databases Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed/MedLine, CINAHL, PsycINFO and LILACS. Twenty articles were included. The thematic synthesis showed that alterations in sexual functions can be mitigated by direct involvement and dialogue with a sexual partner and the resignification of sexual intimacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina de Souza
- Graduate Program in Psychology, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - André Villela de Souza Lima Santos
- Graduate Program in Psychology, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elaine Campos Guijarro Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Psychology, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Manoel Antônio Dos Santos
- Psychology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Dai Y, Cook OY, Yeganeh L, Huang C, Ding J, Johnson CE. Patient-Reported Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking and Accessing Support in Gynecologic and Breast Cancer Survivors With Sexual Problems: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. J Sex Med 2020; 17:1326-1358. [PMID: 32331967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greater understanding of patient-reported barriers and facilitators to seeking and accessing sexual health services will help formulate strategies to assist gynecologic and breast cancer patients to overcome obstacles to accessing sexual health support because they typically do not seek sexual education and/or treatment when confronted with sexual concerns. AIM The objectives of this systematic review were to (i) explore the patient-reported barriers to seeking and accessing support for sexual problems in gynecologic and breast cancer survivors, and (ii) identify strategies used to successfully overcome the barriers to accessing sexual health information and/or treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures included factors that prevent and/or facilitate gynecologic and breast cancer patients with sexual concerns seeking and accessing sexual health-related services. METHODS Systematic searches of major electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Chinese database CNKI) from January 2009 to July 2019 were used to identify the barriers and facilitators to seeking sexual education/treatment from the perspective of gynecologic and breast cancer survivors. A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS 20 studies met the inclusion criteria including 12 qualitative, 6 quantitative, and 2 mixed methods studies. 4 interconnected themes were derived from 13 subthemes relating to the barriers/facilitators to seeking and accessing sexual health support. The most common barriers were embarrassment/discomfort in discussing sexual concerns, perceived discomfort of healthcare providers in discussing sexual issues, limitations of the healthcare system to address sexual problems, and the multidimensional nature of sexuality. Help-seeking for sexual health concerns was facilitated by: (i) oncology health professionals initiating and conducting open, honest discussions around sexual concerns with patients; (ii) the availability of information in multiple forms; and (iii) appropriate timing of information provision according to women's preferences. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Oncology health professionals need to develop an open, honest, accepting communication style and be accessible to women with cancer and their partners within healthcare systems. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The systematic review was conducted in accordance with guidelines. Variability in the primary aims and outcomes of the included studies precluded a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Training programs for providers of oncology care should enhance their knowledge of sexual issues in gynecologic and/or breast cancer, enhance their communication skills with patients, and improve their ability to consult or refer patients to psycho-oncologists or other mental health professionals. Dai Y, Cook OY, Yeganeh L, et al. Patient-Reported Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking and Accessing Support in Gynecologic and Breast Cancer Survivors With Sexual Problems: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. J Sex Med 2020;17:1326-1358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Dai
- Nursing School, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Olivia Y Cook
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ladan Yeganeh
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chongmei Huang
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jinfeng Ding
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Claire E Johnson
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Supportive and Palliative Care, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Sekse RJT, Dunberger G, Olesen ML, Østerbye M, Seibaek L. Lived experiences and quality of life after gynaecological cancer-An integrative review. J Clin Nurs 2019; 28:1393-1421. [PMID: 30461101 PMCID: PMC7328793 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aim and objectives To review the literature on Nordic women's lived experiences and quality of life (QoL) after gynaecological cancer treatment. Background While incidence and survival are increasing in all groups of gynaecological cancers in the Nordic countries, inpatient hospitalisation has become shorter in relation to treatment. This has increased the need for follow‐up and rehabilitation. Design Integrative literature review using the Equator PRISMA guidelines. Methods The review was selected, allowing inclusion of both experimental and nonexperimental research. The search included peer‐reviewed articles published 1995–2017. To frame the search strategy, we applied the concept of rehabilitation, which holds a holistic perspective on health. Results Fifty‐five articles were included and were contextualised within three themes. Physicalwell-being in a changed body encompasses bodily changes comprising menopausal symptoms, a changed sexual life, complications in bowels, urinary tract, lymphoedema and pain, bodily‐based preparedness and fear of recurrence. Mental well-being as a woman deals with questioned womanliness, the experience of revitalised values in life, and challenges of how to come to terms with oneself after cancer treatment. Psychosocial well-being and interaction deals with the importance of having a partner or close person in the process of coming to terms with oneself after cancer. Furthermore, the women needed conversations with health professionals around the process of coping with changes and late effects, including intimate and sensitive issues. Conclusion Years after gynaecological cancer, women have to deal with fundamental changes and challenges concerning their physical, mental and psychosocial well‐being. Future research should focus on how follow‐up programmes can be organised to target the multidimensional aspects of women's QoL. Research collaboration across Nordic countries on rehabilitation needs and intervention is timely and welcomed. Relevance to clinical practice To ensure that all aspects of cancer rehabilitation are being addressed, we suggest that the individual woman is offered an active role in her follow‐up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Johanne Tveit Sekse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gail Dunberger
- Department of Health Care Science, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mette Linnet Olesen
- Research Unit Womens and Childrens Health Department, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Østerbye
- AU Library, Health Sciences Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lene Seibaek
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Abadi OSRR, Cheraghi MA, Tirgari B, Nayeri ND, Rayyani M. Feeling an Invisible Wall: The Experience of Iranian Women's Marital Relationship After Surgical Menopause: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2018; 44:627-640. [PMID: 29452055 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2018.1440451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual relationships after surgical menopause matter when talking about sex is taboo and marriage is the only justified way to meet sexual needs. In this qualitative research study, 22 surgical menopausal women shared their experiences of sexual/marital relationship after surgery through in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis technique was used for data analysis. An overarching theme entitled "feeling an invisible wall" reflected this experience. It comprised three categories: (1) declined marital intimacy, (2) disarming, and (3) transformation of societal norms into concerns. This study proposed new contextual information about the marital relationship of Iranian women after surgical menopause that was not openly articulated before and which may be applicable for others in such contexts. Women's main concern was the emotional separation because of the sexual consequences of the surgery. Healthcare providers should be aware of women's concerns, which may alter their marital relationship. They must provide individualized care, education, and support for couples to make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding their sexual relationship. Results may also have implications for psychiatrists, sex/marital therapists, and probably clergy who have the authority to openly address this important issue to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Ali Cheraghi
- b Critical Care and Management Nursing Department , School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Batool Tirgari
- a Nursing Research Center , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
| | - Nahid Dehaghan Nayeri
- c Nursing and Midwifery care Research Center , School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Masoud Rayyani
- a Nursing Research Center , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
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