A comprehensive review of sexual health concerns after cancer treatment and the biopsychosocial treatment options available to female patients

Abstract

The repercussions of cancer diagnosis and treatment profoundly impact the sexual wellbeing of women prior to, during, and following cancer treatment. Sexual health concerns are often under-addressed within clinical and research settings, and information tends to be limited to women with breast or gynecological cancers. In this narrative literature review, the authors critically evaluate research published between 1990 and 2016, pertaining to sexual health concerns of women diagnosed with cancer, of any type or stage, and to the psychosocial and biomedical interventions that currently exist for the treatment of sexual health-related side-effects (e.g. vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and vulvo-vaginal atrophy). The findings of 109 published articles are discussed and summarised according to four central themes: how cancer affects female sexual wellbeing; physical impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment; emotional impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment; and interventions for sexual dysfunction. Suggestions to enhance research and clinical practice in relation to the sexual health concerns of women following cancer treatments are also presented. Concerns pertaining to women's sexual health are diverse, multiple, and pervade all types and stages of cancer. Several evidence-based psychosocial and biomedical interventions exist to help women manage physical and psychosocial ramifications of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Delivering Breast Reconstruction Information to Patients—Part 2: Women Report on Preferred Information Content

“…Breast cancer surgery is not only physically invasive but can also be emotionally traumatic and lead to increased levels of self-reported distress during the survivorship stage of cancer treatment. 14 Breast reconstruction has been shown to improve body image, quality of life, and psychosocial outcomes for women. 2 Unfortunately, there is a gap between what women want to know about reconstructive breast surgery and the information they receive.…”

Managing menopausal symptoms in patients with hormone receptor-positive gynecologic cancers

“…Симптомы ятрогенной менопаузы у пациенток с онкологическими заболеваниями органов репродуктивной системы негативно влияют на психологическое и сексуальное здоровье женщин [38,39]. Нарушение сексуальной функции у пациенток с онкологическими заболеваниями в среднем составляет 50-60% и зависит от локализации онкологического процесса и метода лечения.…”

British Menopause Society consensus statement on the management of estrogen deficiency symptoms, arthralgia and menopause diagnosis in women treated for early breast cancer

“…Iatrogenic ovarian suppression, tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are all associated with symptoms attributable to vulvo-vaginal atrophy, which in turn can lead to dyspareunia and contribute to the loss of sexual desire and reduced libido. 19 In contrast, in some women, tamoxifen does not cause vaginal dryness but induces a mild non-purulent, non-itch producing white or clear vaginal discharge. This side-effect is likely to be due to the estrogenic effects of tamoxifen on the vagina and cervix.…”