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Tarkowska M, Głowacka-Mrotek I, Skonieczny B, Nowikiewicz T, Tarkowski M, Jankowski M, Zegarski W, Jarzemski P. Sexual Functioning in Female Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer-A Single-Center, Prospective Triple Timepoint Yearly Follow-Up. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3291-3305. [PMID: 35621659 PMCID: PMC9139393 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29050269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was aimed at assessing the quality of sexual functioning in female patients having undergone surgical treatment for cancer depending on the type of surgery. The prospective cohort consisted of 48 female patients (23 patients with stoma [A2] and 25 patients with maintained continuity of the GI tract [A1]). Study methods included a diagnostic survey and the analysis of medical records of patients. Research tools consisted of a standardized FSFI questionnaire and a proprietary form for evaluation of sociodemographic data. Measurements were performed at threetimepoints: On the day before the surgery (Measurement I) as well as six and 12 months after the surgery (Measurements II and III, respectively). Statistically significant differences in results were observed in Measurements II and III in the subscales of arousal (II:p = 0.0068, III:p = 0.0018), lubrication (II:p = 0.0221, III:p = 0.0134), orgasm (II:p = 0.0044, III:p = 0.0021), satisfaction (II:p = 0.0021, III:p = 0.0433), and pain/discomfort (II:p = 0.0343, III:p = 0.0473). In all cases, lower scores corresponding to lower quality of sexual functioning were observed in patients in whom stoma had been performed. Statistically significant differences in sexual functioning were observed at Measurements II and III in each group, with the results being significantly (p > 0.05) worse in patients having undergone Hartmann’s procedure or abdominoperineal resection). Variables significantly affecting self-assessed sexual satisfaction included marital status, age, and modality of neoadjuvant treatment. Restoration of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract is a chance for better self-assessment of the patient’s quality of life as regards sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Tarkowska
- Department of Urology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-3655-306
| | - Iwona Głowacka-Mrotek
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Bartosz Skonieczny
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.S.); (T.N.); (M.J.); (W.Z.)
| | - Tomasz Nowikiewicz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.S.); (T.N.); (M.J.); (W.Z.)
| | - Michał Tarkowski
- Department of Security and Crisis Management, Cuiavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Bydgoszcz, Ludwik Rydygier Regional Polyclinical Hospital in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Michał Jankowski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.S.); (T.N.); (M.J.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wojciech Zegarski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.S.); (T.N.); (M.J.); (W.Z.)
| | - Piotr Jarzemski
- Department of Urology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
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Henry M, Albert JG, Frenkiel S, Hier M, Zeitouni A, Kost K, Mlynarek A, Black M, MacDonald C, Richardson K, Mascarella M, Morand GB, Chartier G, Sadeghi N, Lo C, Rosberger Z. Body Image Concerns in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Longitudinal Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:816587. [PMID: 35401366 PMCID: PMC8988682 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.816587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatments are known to significantly affect functionality and appearance, leading to an increased risk for body image disturbances. Yet, few longitudinal studies exist to examine body image in these patients. Based on a conceptual model, the current study aimed to determine, in patients newly diagnosed with HNC: (1) the prevalence, level, and course of body image concerns; (2) correlates of upon cancer diagnosis (pre-treatment) body image concerns; (3) predictors of immediate post-treatment body image concerns; and (4) association between body image concerns and levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, support (i.e., satisfaction with support from physician, social/family wellbeing, and unmet support needs), and alcohol and drug misuse. Methods Two hundred and twenty-three (participation rate = 72%), newly diagnosed with a primary HNC were assessed using structured clinical interviews and psychometric measures at three, and 6 months after diagnosis. Primary outcome was 3-month, as it was most salient to body image disturbance. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on the potential body image predictors, based on the model. Results Sixty-eight percent of patients with HNC (n = 148 of 218) presented some level of body image concerns. Body image concerns at baseline (i.e., upon cancer diagnosis, pre-treatment) and post-treatment were significantly related and significantly increased from pre- to post-treatment. Immediately post-treatment (i.e., at 3 month follow-up), 89% (n = 132 of 148) presented some level of body image concerns. Correlates of body image concerns in patients with HNC at baseline included: physical symptom burden, difficulties with communication and eating, coping with the cancer diagnosis using denial, suicidal ideation, and having had a past anxiety diagnosis. When controlling for sociodemographic and medical variables, body image concerns in patients with HNC in the immediate post-treatment were predicted by: baseline body image, physical symptom burden, and neuroticism. Conclusion This longitudinal study helps identify patients more susceptible to experience body image disturbance following head and neck cancer. Clinicians ought to pay special attention to body image concerns upon cancer diagnosis, physical symptom burden, and neuroticism, and may want to target these factors in future preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Henry
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justine G. Albert
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Saul Frenkiel
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Hier
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anthony Zeitouni
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Karen Kost
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Mlynarek
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Black
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christina MacDonald
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Nursing, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Keith Richardson
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marco Mascarella
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gregoire B. Morand
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Chartier
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Nursing, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nader Sadeghi
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Lo
- Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zeev Rosberger
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Nam SY, Lee H, Kim S, Lee RA. Factors Affecting Body Image and Sexual Life for the Colorectal Cancer Patients with Stoma. ASIAN ONCOLOGY NURSING 2018. [DOI: 10.5388/aon.2018.18.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Nam
- Department of nursing, Ewha Womans University Medical Center Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyangkyu Lee
- Yonsei University College of Nursing and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sue Kim
- Yonsei University College of Nursing and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ryung-Ah Lee
- Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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DuHamel K, Schuler T, Nelson C, Philip E, Temple L, Schover L, Baser RE, Starr TD, Cannon K, Jennings S, Jandorf L, Carter J. The sexual health of female rectal and anal cancer survivors: results of a pilot randomized psycho-educational intervention trial. J Cancer Surviv 2016; 10:553-63. [PMID: 26667358 PMCID: PMC4864056 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-015-0501-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dysfunction is a frequently reported consequence of rectal/anal cancer treatment for female patients. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to conduct a small randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a telephone-based, four-session Cancer Survivorship Intervention-Sexual Health (CSI-SH). METHODS Participants (N = 70) were stratified by chemotherapy, stoma, and menopause statuses before randomization to CSI-SH or assessment only (AO). Participants were assessed at baseline, 4 months (follow-up 1), and 8 months (follow-up 2). RESULTS The intervention had medium effect sizes from baseline to follow-up 1, which decreased by follow-up 2. Effect sizes were larger among the 41 sexually active women. Unadjusted means at the follow-ups were not significantly different between the treatment arms. Adjusting for baseline scores, demographics, and medical variables, the intervention arm had significantly better emotional functioning at follow-ups 1 and 2 and less cancer-specific stress at follow-up 1 compared to the AO arm. CONCLUSION The data supported the hypothesized effects on improved sexual and psychological functioning and quality of life in CSI-SH female rectal/anal cancer survivors compared to the AO condition. This pilot study (N = 70) of CSI-SH supported the impact of this intervention on sexual and psychological functioning and quality of life on rectal and anal cancer survivors compared with an AO condition. However, intervention effects were stronger at follow-up 1 as compared to follow-up 2 and were stronger for sexually active women. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Women may benefit from a brief, four-session, sexual health intervention after treatment from rectal and anal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tammy Schuler
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Errol Philip
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Larissa Temple
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Schover
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lina Jandorf
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeanne Carter
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Traa MJ, Roukema JA, De Vries J, Rutten HJT, Langenhoff B, Jansen W, Den Oudsten BL. Biopsychosocial predictors of sexual function and quality of sexual life: a study among patients with colorectal cancer. Transl Androl Urol 2016; 4:206-17. [PMID: 26816825 PMCID: PMC4708118 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2015.03.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective A low sexual function (SF) has been reported in patients with colorectal cancer. However, research often focusses on clinical predictors of SF, hereby omitting patients’ subjective evaluation of SF [i.e., the quality of sexual life (QoSL)] and psychosocial predictors of SF and QoSL. In addition, research incorporating a biopsychosocial approach to SF and QoSL is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate (I) relatedness between SF and the QoSL, (II) the course of SF and QoSL, and (III) biopsychosocial predictors of SF and QoSL. Methods Patients completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, sex) and personality characteristics (i.e., neuroticism, trait anxiety) before surgery. Questionnaires assessing psychological (i.e., anxious and depressive symptoms, body image, fatigue) and social (i.e., sexual activity, SF, non-sensuality, avoidance of sexual activity, non-communication, relationship function) aspects were measured preoperative and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Clinical characteristics were obtained from the Eindhoven Cancer Registry (ECR). Bivariate correlations evaluated relatedness between SF and QoSL. Linear mixed-effects models examined biopsychosocial predictors of SF and QoSL. Results SF and QoSL are related constructs (r=0.206 to 0.642). Compared to preoperative scores, SF did not change over time (P>0.05). Overall, patients’ QoSL decreased postoperatively (P=0.001). A higher age (β=−0.02, P=0.006), fatigue (β=−0.02, P=0.034), not being sexually active (β=−0.081, P<0.001), and having a stoma (β=0.37, P=0.035) contributed to a lower SF. Having rectal cancer (β=−1.64, P=0.003), depressive symptoms (β=−0.09, P=0.001), lower SF (β=1.05, P<0.001), and more relationship maladjustment (β=−0.05, P=0.027) contributed to a lower QoSL (P<0.05). In addition, partners’ SF (β=0.24, P<0.001) and QoSL (β=0.30, P<0.001) were predictive for patients’ SF and QoSL, respectively. A significant interaction between time and gender was reported for both outcomes (P’s=0.002). Conclusions SF and QoSL are related but distinctive constructs. The course of SF and QoSL differed. Different biopsychosocial predictors were found for SF and QoSL. The contribution of partner-related variables to patients’ outcomes suggests interdependence between patients and partners. Men and women showed different SF and QoSL trajectories. We recommend that health care professionals, when discussing sexuality, realize that SF and QoSL are no interchangeable terms and should, therefore, be discussed as two separate entities. In addition, it is favored that clinicians focus not only on biological predictors of SF and QoSL, but obtain a broader perspective in which they also pay attention to psychosocial factors that may impair SF and QoSL. More in depth research on interdependence between patients and partners, biopsychosocial predictors of partners’ SF and QoSL, and gender effects is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Johanna Traa
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Anne Roukema
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda De Vries
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Harm Jozef Theodorus Rutten
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Langenhoff
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Walther Jansen
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda Leontine Den Oudsten
- 1 Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 2 Department of Surgery, 3 Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands ; 4 Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ; 5 Research Institute for Growth & Development, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ; 6 Department of Surgery, TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg/Waalwijk, The Netherlands
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Berry MD, Berry PD. Contemporary Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: Reexamining the Biopsychosocial Model. J Sex Med 2013; 10:2627-43. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Panjari M, Bell RJ, Burney S, Bell S, McMurrick PJ, Davis SR. Sexual function, incontinence, and wellbeing in women after rectal cancer--a review of the evidence. J Sex Med 2012; 9:2749-58. [PMID: 22905761 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02894.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer. One-third of these cancers occur in the rectum. Treatment of rectal cancer involves surgery with/without radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery is undertaken to prevent damage to the nerves controlling bladder, bowel, and sexual organs, whether this translates into preservation of urinary and fecal continence and sexual function and, ultimately, quality of life (QoL) is not known. AIM The aim of this review was to summarize the literature regarding the impact of treatment for rectal cancer on bladder and bowel continence, sexual function and QoL in women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A comprehensive review of the current literature on sexual function, incontinence and wellbeing in women after treatment for rectal cancer highlighting prevalence rates, trial design, and patient population. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the literature using A systematic search of the literature using Medline (Ovid, 1946-present) and PubMed (1966-2011) for English-language studies that included the following search terms: "colorectal cancer," or "rectal cancer," or "rectal neoplasm," and "sexual function," or "sexual dysfunction," or "wellbeing," or "QoL," or "urinary or fecal incontinence." RESULTS Although around 1/3 of women aged 50 to 70 years report lack of sexual desire, sexual function problems after treatment for rectal cancer are in the order of 60% among women. QoL improves with length of survival. Urinary and fecal incontinence are ongoing concerns for many women after treatment with rates up to 60%. CONCLUSION There is a gap in our knowledge of the effects of rectal cancer and its treatment on urinary and fecal continence, sexual function and QoL in women. There is a need for studies of sufficient size and duration to gain a better understanding of the disease and its management and the long-term effects on these parameters. This information is needed to develop preventative health care plans for women treated for rectal cancer that target those most at risk for these adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Panjari
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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