Data are presented of a prospective, longitudinal study on the impact of early stage gynecological cancer on sexuality. Women with a partner (n = 58) completed self-report questionnaires following diagnosis but prior to treatment and then at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. A single assessment was also obtained from a healthy comparison group (n = 103). Pre-treatment cancer patients reported fewer and less trouble with sexual problems compared to healthy controls. Neither sexual satisfaction nor sexual activity changed from pre- to post-treatment and was comparable to that of healthy controls. Post-treatment, relatively minor sexual difficulties were shown; a notable difficulty for cancer patients concerned lubrication. At 12 months post-treatment, the sexual functioning of cancer patients was comparable to healthy controls.

This study evaluates the impact of early-stage gynecological cancer and its treatment on sexuality and assessed needs for care regarding sexual rehabilitation. Data from 58 women from a prospective, longitudinal study were compared to data from 220 women from a cross-sectional study. Patients in the prospective study completed questionnaires prior to treatment and then 6 and 12 months post-treatment. A single assessment was obtained from patients in the cross-sectional study. All women had a partner. Both groups were comparable on important independent variables. Both samples had an equal level of sexual contact, but participants in the cross-sectional study (mean time 46 months post-treatment) reported a higher frequency of sexual problems, were more troubled by those problems and reported a lower sexual satisfaction. However, in both groups the level of the reported dysfunctions was relatively low. Around 80% of the patients were satisfied with the information provided on sexual rehabilitation. Little need for extra care on sexual rehabilitation was reported. In conclusion, women with early-stage gynecological cancer were not especially prone to severe sexual problems and seemed to cope well with the consequences of cancer and its treatment on their sexual lives. It was suggested that this relatively positive outcome is a result of the improved patient care and education on sexual aspects in the last decade.