Sexual activity and cancer: A systematic review of prevalence, predictors and information needs among female Arab cancer survivors

Abstract

Introduction:The objective of this review is to synthesise and present the best available evidence on the prevalence, predictors and information needs about sexual health among female Arab cancer survivors. Methods:The databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from inception of the database until March 2020. The review was undertaken according to the JBI guidelines. Proportional meta-analysis using a random effects model was used for statistical pooling through JBI SUMARI.Results: Seven studies involving female Arab cancer survivors were included in the review. The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction ranged from 16.7 to 67% (pooled estimate 51%, 95% CIs 21.7% to 80.2%). Dyspareunia and erectile dysfunction were the two main types of sexual dysfunction reported after diagnosis, and the overall prevalence ranged from 42.5% to 65% and 38% to 61%, respectively. The prevalence of vaginal dryness was ranged from 19.8% to 54.2%, and dyspareunia ranged from 22.2% to 65%. The lack of sexuality information and communication with health care providers (HCPs) was also reported in the included studies. Conclusion:Cancer and its treatment may result in significant difficulties with sexual activity and sexual functioning among cancer survivor. Communication between the health care professionals and cancer survivors is essential to overcome this problem and improve the quality of life of female Arab cancer survivors.

Prevalence, Classifications and Factors Associated With Sexual Dysfunction among Adult Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy at Uganda Cancer Institute, Mbarara

“…While assessing the classi cations of female sexual dysfunctions the most affected domain that we noted was decreased sexual desire that is similar to a study in Guinea (23). Decreased sexual arousal and vaginal pain, these affected sex domains are similar to numerous studies like those conducted in Sweden, Canada and Australia (21) (22) (24). This could be attributed to psychological distress that patients go through and most importantly dyspareunia can be due to cytotoxic chemotherapy that alters the reproductive systems morphology as well as hormonal therapy that is used in women with gynecological cancer that alters their sex hormone status.…”

Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Women with Gynecological Cancer in Manipur, North East India

“…As advancements in psych-oncology con-tinue, they are anticipated to play a pivotal role in meeting the psychological needs of cancer patients in the future. 4,22 The domain with the third highest unmet needs was the sexual domain, these findings align with analogous findings in developed countries by Pernelle et al 23 Akeflo et al 24 Alananzeh et al 25 underscoring significant sexual dysfunction and distress leading to moderate to severe depression among affected couples. Insufficient knowledge regarding the impact of cancer on sexual aspects like desire, arousal, misconceptions, and apprehensions about resuming sexual activity post-treatment contributes to unmet sexual needs in this demographic.…”