Frequency of Sexual Problems and Related Psychosocial Characteristics in Cancer Patients—Findings From an Epidemiological Multicenter Study in Germany

Abstract

BackgroundMultimodal cancer treatments are often associated with sexual problems. Identifying patients with sexual problems could help further elucidate serious issues with their sexuality and thus promote or maintain patients’ sexual health. We aimed to assess the occurrence of sexual problems in patients across different tumor locations and to explore associated sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial factors.MethodsWe included 3,677 cancer patients (mean age 58 years, age range 18–75 years, 51.4% women) from a large epidemiological multicenter study in Germany on average 13.5 months after cancer diagnosis. The occurrence and frequency of sexual problems were assessed via a binary item on the problem checklist of the Distress Thermometer (DT). Controlled associations of these problems with sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial factors including distress (DT), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), and social support (SSUK-8) are analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found that 31.8% of patients reported sexual problems, with a significant higher proportion in men (40.5%) compared to women (23.7%), OR 2.35, 95% CI [1.80–3.07] and a higher proportion in patients with a partner (35.6%) compared to those without a partner (3.5%), OR 2.83, 95% CI [2.17–3.70]. Tumor location was associated with occurrence of sexual problems: patients with cancer, affecting the male genital organs had the highest chance for sexual problems, OR 2.65, 95% CI [1.18–3.95]. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of sexual problems between age groups OR 0.99, 95% CI [2.13–3.53] and type of therapy (e.g., operation OR 0.91, 95% CI [0.72–1.15]). Sexual problems were further associated with elevated levels of anxiety, OR 1.05, 95% CI [1.02–1.10], less social support, OR 0.93, 95% CI [0.90–0.97] and lower quality of life in terms of impaired functioning (e.g., social function, OR 0.99, 95% CI [0.99–1.00]).ConclusionsSexual problems are commonly reported by patients. Male patients and those living with a partner are more likely to report sexual problems. Sexual problems are associated with different aspects of well-being. The findings imply the practical relevance to screen for sexual problems among patients and identified groups that should be particularly monitored.

Survivorship in der Onkologie: Psychosoziale Folgen bei Krebsüberlebenden

“…Sexuelle Probleme sind sehr vielschichtig und können Verlust des sexuellen Verlangens, Schmerzen beim Sex, erektile Dysfunktion bei Männern oder vaginale Trockenheit bei Frauen beinhalten. Schätzungsweise 50% aller Krebspatient*innen berichten über langfristige Einschränkungen in der sexuellen Funktionsfähigkeit [20,21]. Verbunden mit den Funktionsstörungen sind bei den Betroffenen oft Veränderungen des Selbstwertgefühls und Konflikte in Partnerschaften.…”

Global trends in psycho‐oncology research investments 2016–2020: A content analysis

“…This study identifies a number of key areas within the field of psycho‐oncology that are currently receiving relatively little funding, suggesting new areas of future research growth. Despite affecting 30% of cancer patients, 23 psychosexual research was the smallest area among the five top‐level categories in our dataset with 4.8% of funding. Psychosexual side effects may therefore be poorly understood given their implications for survivorship QOL.…”

“…Over one third of funding in this area between 2016 and 2020 went towards mental health research; receiving seven times more funding than psychosexual research over the same period. Despite affecting 30% of cancer patients, 23 psychosexual research was the smallest area of funding in our dataset. Prostate cancer received by far the greatest proportion of psychosexual research funding, however gynaecological cancers received little attention in this regard.…”

Survivorship in der Onkologie: Psychosoziale Folgen bei Krebsüberlebenden

“…Sexuelle Probleme sind sehr vielschichtig und können Verlust des sexuellen Verlangens, Schmerzen beim Sex, erektile Dysfunktion bei Männern oder vaginale Trockenheit bei Frauen beinhalten. Schät zungsweise 50 % aller Krebspatient*innen berichten über langfristige Einschränkungen in der sexuellen Funktions fähigkeit [20,21]. Verbunden mit den Funktionsstörungen sind bei den Betroffenen oft Veränderungen des Selbst wertgefühls und Konflikte in Partnerschaften.…”