Physical and psychosocial factors associated with sexual satisfaction in long-term cancer survivors 5 and 10 years after diagnosis

Abstract

Our study provides data on sexual satisfaction among long-term cancer survivors 5 and 10 years after diagnosis, and identifies factors detrimental (e.g. psychosocial and physical symptom burden) or beneficial (e.g. social support) to survivors’ sexual satisfaction. We measured sexual satisfaction among cancer survivors recruited via the local clinical cancer registry across a wide range of tumor sites 5 years (cohort 1) and 10 years (cohort 2) after diagnosis. We further assessed chronic comorbidity index (CCI) and symptom scales (EORTC QLQ-C30), depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), satisfaction with partnership (PFB), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), and social support (OSSS). 924 patients (5‐year cohort = 608/10‐year cohort = 316) participated in the study (53% men, 80% cohabiting, mean age 66 years, range 18–85). We found that nearly half of the respondents perceived their sexual life as less satisfying than before cancer. High sexual satisfaction was associated with a low chronic comorbidities index (r = − 0.27, p < .001), less fatigue (r = − 0.35, p<.001), less nausea/vomiting (r = − 0.13, p<.001) and less pain (r = − 0.23, p<.001), r ; less depression (r = − 0.24, p < .001), less anxiety(r = − 0.23, p < .001); a high level of social support (r = 0.16, p < .001), a high level of satisfaction with their relationship (r = 0.24, p < .001), and high quality of life (r = 0.33, p < .001). Sexual satisfaction may be affected by both psychosocial and physical symptom burden, with the latter having a greater impact on sexual satisfaction. It is essential for health care providers that sexual health issues are understood, evaluated, and treated, including those of long-term cancer survivors.

Fear of cancer progression and the quality of sexual life of female cancer patients in Romania

“…Sexuality and the quality of a persons’ sexual life play a very important role in the quality of life and psychological well-being in general ( 19 , 20 , 50 ). Different forms of sexual dysfunction may seriously affect one’s physical and psychological functioning ( 51 , 52 ).…”

“…Other authors [e.g., ( 61 )] propose psychoeducational interventions to inform cancer patients about the short- and long-term effects of treatment. It is therefore recommended that medical interventions should be complemented by sex-psychological aspects, as patients must be also properly informed about the impact of the disease on their sexual health ( 19 ).…”

“…Cancer-related sexual problems have a negative impact on the patients’ psychological well-being as well ( 19 , 20 ), becoming a marker of cancer patients’ quality of life ( 21 ). Unfortunately, such issues get frequently overlooked and un-addressed by the medical staff ( 22 ).…”

Post-Operative Care of the Cancer Patient: Emphasis on Functional Recovery, Rapid Rescue, and Survivorship

“…Survivorship interviews identified relief, fear, guilt, anxiety, and anger as some of the most common emotions reported. There are common themes in the anxiety reported by cancer survivors, family and finances, changes in body image [ 63 , 64 ], sexuality [ 65 ], and the challenges of managing long-term health. Cancer survivors may also experience challenges in returning to their pre-cancer lifestyle, including work and social activities.…”

Sexual Functioning and Impact on Quality of Life in Patients with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…Quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors has emerged as a paramount consideration in oncology care, extending beyond traditional outcomes such as survival rates [8]. In patients with EOCRC, QoL issues are particularly pronounced due to the potential for more aggressive disease, the need for intensive treatment, and the broader impact on an individual's life trajectory [9].…”