Psychosexual support for gynecological cancer survivors: professionals’ current practices and need for assistance

Vermeer, Willemijn M.; Bakker, Rinske M.; Stiggelbout, Anne M.; Creutzberg, Carien L.; Kenter, Gemma G.; Kuile, Moniek M. ter

doi:10.1007/s00520-014-2433-7

Cited by 36 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…All studies described the setting and population from which the sample was drawn, the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and at least some characteristics of study participants at enrollment, whereas just over two thirds of the studies (66%) reported a rate of enrollment or participation [25, 38, 42–57], and 59% offered some data supporting the validity or reliability of the measure used to assess prevalence of CSC [26, 28, 37, 38, 41, 46–51, 54–59]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seven studies (24%) assessed prevalence of CSC through patient interviews [25, 26, 38, 39, 49, 51, 62]. Two studies used chart review to assess whether CSC was documented, one by itself [63], and one alongside patient interview data [41].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the five studies with provider-level data on assessing patients’ sexual concerns [25, 26, 59, 61], the average prevalence was 21%; however, the prevalence differed by patient gender. Specifically, in a study of oncology nurses [59], the prevalence of asking male patients about erectile dysfunction was higher (52%) compared to the prevalence of asking female patients about vaginal dryness.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As many as 90% of cancer survivors report that their oncologist infrequently addresses sexual health concerns [20]. For providers, lack of appropriate training is one of the most significant barriers preventing them from discussing sexual concerns with their patients [16, 21–23] along with embarrassment, time pressure, unfamiliarity with treatment options, and prioritizing other physical symptoms [15, 24–26]. Relying on patients to raise sexual concerns, however, is an ineffective strategy because patients often do not ask for help, even if they report interest in receiving care [27].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

et al. 2016

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Purpose Cancer survivors’ needs around sexual concerns are often unmet. The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases for peer-reviewed quantitative research papers (2000–2015) in cancer samples. Search terms across three linked categories were used (sexuality; communication; cancer). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Sexual Function Guidelines were used as a framework to categorize communication reported in each study. Results Twenty-nine studies from 10 countries (29% in USA) were included. Studies assessed patients only (21), providers only (4), and both (4). Communication measures differed across studies and many lacked validity data. When reported by patients or providers, the average prevalence of discussing potential treatment effects on sexual function was 50% (60% for men; 28% for women) and 88%, respectively. As reported by patients or providers, respectively, assessing patients’ sexual concerns (10% and 21%), and offering treatments (22% and 17%) were measured in fewer studies and were reported less frequently. Both patients and providers (28% and 32%, respectively) reported a low prevalence of other non-specific communication. Greater prevalence of communication was associated with male patient gender and more years of provider experience. Conclusions Sexual issues go unaddressed for many cancer survivors, particularly women. Both patient and provider interventions are needed. Implications for Cancer Survivors Enhancing patient-provider communication about sexual concerns through evidence-based interventions could improve patient sexual function and quality of life.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

et al. 2016

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“…Abstinence from sexual activity is also associated with the decreased intimacy in the couple. Psychosexual healthcare needs concern both the patients and their partners, and all of them should have an easy access to sexual healthcare specialists [59–61], especially as different models of sexual healthcare for cancer patients are being constantly developed and prove to be efficient in helping the patients [62–64]. …”

Section: Sexual and Psychological Functioning Among Women With Gynecomentioning

confidence: 99%

Consequences of gynecological cancer in patients and their partners from the sexual and psychological perspective

Iżycki¹,

Woźniak²,

Iżycka³

2016

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The diagnosis of gynecological cancer and the following consequences of the treatment radically change the lives of cancer patients and their partners. Women experience negative consequences in terms of sexual, psychological and social functioning. Surgical treatment may result in a decrease in sexual pleasure and pain during intercourse. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause a loss of libido and negatively affect the capacity to experience pleasure or orgasm.Treatment-related changes may include the occurrence of body image disorders, decreased quality of life as well as depressive and anxiety disorders among patients. Furthermore, a negative influence on the relationship between the affected women and their partners, as well as an adverse effect on the social activity, can be observed. Cancer is not an individual experience. It also affects partners of the sick women in terms of psychological and sexual functioning.This article depicts possible problems encountered by cancer patients and their partners from the psychological and sexual perspective. The emphasis is put on understanding sexuality not only in the context of sexual performance, but also in a wider perspective.

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Female Sexual Health Training for Oncology Providers: New Applications

Wang

Pierdomenico

Lefkowitz³

et al. 2015

Sexual Medicine

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IntroductionSexual health care remains an unmet need for women with cancer. Many barriers are described, such as provider discomfort and lack of training; however, there is little evidence-based guidance regarding how to effectively address these obstacles.AimThis pilot study was performed to determine whether brief, targeted sexual health training for oncology providers results in improved provider comfort level and frequency of addressing female cancer-related sexual issues.MethodsA brief (30–45 minute), targeted sexual health training program focused on improving comfort level, knowledge and communication skills when addressing breast cancer–related sexual issues was developed by the primary author. Using a pretest-posttest format, this educational program was provided to oncology providers (physicians and nurses/other allied health) from a suburban health-care system. Surveys based on 5-point Likert scales were provided before and 3–6 month post training.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary endpoints were changes in mean Likert scores for provider comfort level and self-reported frequency of addressing sexual issues. A secondary endpoint was change in mean Likert scores for perception of access to sexual health resources/referrals.ResultsEligible respondents included 8 oncologists, 4 surgeons, and 62 nurses/other allied health. For total respondents, comparison of mean Likert scores for survey 1 (n = 71) and survey 2 (n = 36) demonstrated statistically significant increases for all parameters queried, including provider comfort level with bringing up (Pre mean Likert score = 3.4, Post = 4.3, P < 0.0001) and coordinating care (Pre = 3.5, Post = 4.6, P < 0.0001), and frequency of addressing sexual issues for both diagnosis/treatment and surveillance phase (Pre = 2.4, Post = 3.3, P ≤ 0.0052).ConclusionBrief, targeted sexual health training for oncology providers positively correlated with improved provider comfort level and frequency of addressing female cancer-related sexual issues.

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Psychosexual support for gynecological cancer survivors: professionals’ current practices and need for assistance

Cited by 36 publications

References 43 publications

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

Consequences of gynecological cancer in patients and their partners from the sexual and psychological perspective

Female Sexual Health Training for Oncology Providers: New Applications

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