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Veneroni L, Bagliacca EP, Sironi G, Silva M, Casanova M, Bergamaschi L, Terenziani M, Trombatore J, Clerici CA, Prunas A, Silvaggi M, Massimino M, Ferrari A. Investigating sexuality in adolescents with cancer: patients talk of their experiences. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 37:223-234. [PMID: 32022619 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2020.1712502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the present study is to understand which areas of sexuality were regarded as most important and/or problematic among adolescents with cancer.Methods. A questionnaire was administered to adolescent and young adult patients who had been receiving treatments at the Pediatric Oncology Unit of our Institution, for at least 2 months, and those in follow-up who had completed their treatments no more than two years previously. The questionnaire was devised to investigate patients' experiences in various areas, i.e. personal relations, sexual relations; functional aspects, body image, and communication.Results. Questionnaires were given to 70 patients and completed by 66. As main results, the survey showed that disease and treatment might negatively affect patients' way of relating with others (53% of cases) and their body image (56%), though their sexual desire remains unchanged (69.7%). Most patients (67%) reported not having the chance to talk to someone about having sex while receiving their treatments; 79% of patients felt this topic deserved more attention.Conclusion. This study promotes the discussion of an important topic for young people with cancer, which is inadequately addressed today. When establishing an age-specific model of care, aspects related to sexuality should be considered and managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Veneroni
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Sironi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Silva
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Casanova
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Terenziani
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Trombatore
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Alfredo Clerici
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,SSD Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Prunas
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Silvaggi
- Dipartimento di Urologia e Ginecologia, Istituto di Sessuologia Clinica, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Massimino
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Chapman CH, Heath G, Fairchild P, Berger MB, Wittmann D, Uppal S, Tolpadi A, Maturen K, Jolly S. Gynecologic radiation oncology patients report unmet needs regarding sexual health communication with providers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 145:495-502. [PMID: 30539283 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2813-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following radiation therapy (RT), women with gynecologic malignancies report high rates of sexual dysfunction, but little is known regarding sexual health communication between these patients and health-care providers. This study assessed these patients' beliefs/attitudes toward providers' sexual history taking. METHODS Surveys were administered to women who presented for follow-up care for gynecologic cancers in an academic radiation oncology department. The surveys assessed patient sexual health beliefs and inquiry preferences. Sexual functioning was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Ordered logistic regressions were performed to assess for correlations between survey responses, FSFI, and demographic characteristics. RESULTS Seventy-five subjects participated. Most (89.8%) had FSFI scores indicating sexual dysfunction. Most patients agreed that sexual function is an important component of overall health (78.7%) and that providers should inquire regularly (62.8%). Few (12.0%) reported embarrassment around provider discussions. Most (62.7%) preferred discussion with female providers, especially married patients (p = 0.03). Half (53.4%) agreed that sexual problems are an unavoidable part of aging, a view that was more common as education level decreased (p = 0.01). Most (62.7%) patients agreed that providers should regularly ask about their sexual history, with patients having significant differences in education level. Patients with low FSFI scores were less likely to report inquiry from their OB/Gyn (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Gynecologic cancer radiotherapy patients want to discuss sexual health, but report suboptimal provider inquiry. Patient views and experiences varied based on marital status, education level, and FSFI score. This work highlights the need for improved sexual health communication between cancer patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Hunter Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Gerard Heath
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Pamela Fairchild
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mitchell B Berger
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Daniela Wittmann
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shitanshu Uppal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Anagha Tolpadi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Katherine Maturen
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shruti Jolly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Kelly D, Sakellariou D, Fry S, Vougioukalou S. Heteronormativity and prostate cancer: A discursive paper. J Clin Nurs 2017; 27:461-467. [PMID: 28382781 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To discuss the risks that heteronormative assumptions play in prostate cancer care and how these may be addressed. BACKGROUND There is international evidence to support the case that LGBT patients with cancer are less likely to report poor health or self-disclose sexual orientation. Gender-specific cancers, such as prostate cancer, require particular interventions in terms of supportive care. These may include advice about side-effect management (such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction), treatment choices and social and emotional issues. In this paper, we discuss and analyse the heteronormative assumptions and culture that exist around this cancer. We argue that this situation may act as a barrier to effective supportive care for all Lesbian women, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual patients, in this case men who have sex with men. [Correction added on 21 September 2017, after first online publication: The first sentence of the Background section has been revised for clarity in this current version.] DESIGN: Theoretical exploration of heteronormativity considered against the clinical context of prostate cancer. METHODS Identification and inclusion of relevant international evidence combined with clinical discussion. RESULTS This paper posits a number of questions around heteronormativity in relation to prostate cancer information provision, supportive care and male sexuality. While assumptions regarding sexual orientation should be avoided in clinical encounters, this may be difficult when heteronormative assumptions dominate. Existing research supports the assertion that patient experience, including the needs of LGBT patients, should be central to service developments. CONCLUSION Assumptions about sexual orientation should be avoided and recorded accurately and sensitively, and relational models of care should be promoted at the start of cancer treatment in an appropriate manner. These may assist in reducing the risks of embarrassment or offence to nonheterosexual patients, or to professionals who may adopt heteronormative assumptions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Having an awareness of the risks of making heteronormative assumptions in clinical practice will be useful for all health professionals engaged in prostate cancer care. This awareness can prevent embarrassment or upset for patients and ensure a more equitable provision of service, including men with prostate cancer who do not identify as heterosexual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kelly
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah Fry
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Abstract
Quality of life in general and sexual functioning in particular have become very important in cancer patients. Biological factors such as anatomic alterations, physiological changes and secondary effect of medical interventions may preclude normal sexual functioning even when sexual desire is intact. In spite of modern surgical techniques, improved chemotherapeutical drugs and sophisticated radiation techniques, still many patients complain of impaired sexual function after cancer treatment. A large number of instruments already exist to assess quality of life in cancer patients. It is important to standardize procedures and to use validated questionnaires. Collecting data on an ongoing basis before and long after treatment is mandatory, and control groups must be used. Patients should be offered sexual counselling and informed about the availability of therapies for sexual dysfunctions. In this paper we review the topic of sexual functioning after treatment (predominantly after radiotherapy) of the most common malignancies in men and give suggestions for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Incrocci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is very common after treatment of prostate cancer. Radiation therapy together with radical prostatectomy is the most effective treatment for localized disease. Percentages of erectile dysfunction (ED) reported in prospective studies after external-beam radiotherapy (RT) vary from 60-70%, and these are similar after brachytherapy. In randomized trials more realistic percentages of 30-40% are reported. Modern techniques do not seem to decrease post-radiation ED. No final conclusions can be drawn whether or not the radiation dose to the penile structures correlates with post-radiation ED in patients treated for prostate cancer. The etiology of ED after RT of prostate cancer is most probably multi-factorial. The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) sildenafil and tadalafil have been shown to be effective to treat post-radiation ED in about half of the patients in randomized trials. Patients and their partners need to be adequately counselled on the effects of cancer treatment on their sexual life and relationship, and about the different treatment possibilities. Sexual counselling has not become yet a routine part of oncology care in most hospitals, but this should be provided. Due to the lack of robust data, prevention of post-radiation ED with PDE5-I cannot be recommended so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Incrocci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Goldstein I. Prevention, Not Cure. J Sex Med 2013; 10:2613-5. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kelly D. Developing Age Appropriate Psychosexual Support for Adolescent Cancer Survivors: A Discussion Paper. J Sex Med 2013; 10 Suppl 1:133-8. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Incrocci L, Jensen PT. Pelvic Radiotherapy and Sexual Function in Men and Women. J Sex Med 2013; 10 Suppl 1:53-64. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Song T, Choi CH, Lee YY, Kim TJ, Lee JW, Kim BG, Bae DS. Sexual Function after Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: Is There a Difference in It According to the Extent of Surgical Radicality? J Sex Med 2012; 9:1697-704. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02723.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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