Sexual Dysfunction in Female Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Cancer survivors face a myriad of long-term effects of their disease, diagnosis, and treatment, and chief among many are problems associated with sexual dysfunction. Yet despite their frequency and the degree of distress they cause patients, sexual dysfunction is not effectively screened for or treated, and this is particularly true in female survivors. Inconsistently performed general sexual health screening at all facets of cancer care and survivorship ultimately translates into missed attempts to identify and treat dysfunction when it does arise. In this paper, we will review the current research and clinical practices addressing sexual dysfunction in female cancer survivors and propose questions in need of future research attention. This article will review the phases of sexual response and how each may be affected by the physical and emotional stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment. We will then discuss existing tools for assessment of sexual function and approaches to their treatment. Finally, we will conclude with advice to health care professionals based on current research and suggest questions for future study.

Sexual Health and Quality of Life Assessment among Ovarian Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy

“…In this context, many efforts have been made attempting to improve survival rates, and as a result EOC has become a ‘chronic disease' [5]. Meanwhile, besides an increase in life expectancy and overall survival, patients have to face daily social and intimate problems caused by EOC and its succeeding treatments [14,15,16]. …”

Self-reported endocrine late effects in adults treated for brain tumours, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a registry based study in Northern Germany

“…2) (39). These observations are most likely secondary effects caused by a therapy-associated decrease in gonadal functionality (40,41,42,43). As untreated male hypogonadism (frequently observed following cranial irradiation) is a major risk factor for the development of premature osteoporosis, this may be one explanation for the high prevalence of this disorder in male long-term cancer survivors.…”

Sexual Health as a Survivorship Issue for Female Cancer Survivors

“…Across multiple datasets, the incidence of sexual dysfunction ranges from 30% to 100% among female cancer survivors [5,15]. Although studies show that the overall quality of life of survivors is quite good (especially in long-term survivors) [16][17][18], a significant proportion of patients remain at risk for persistent or worsening symptoms, including symptoms related to sexual health [19].…”

“…Of those most commonly cited by survivors are issues pertaining to sexual health [5]. In this review, we will discuss sexual health following the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.…”

“…Female Sexual Health and Survivorship [5,59,60]. In addition, should clinicians find themselves at the limits of either comfort or knowledge on the topic, referral to a sexual health specialist is always an option.…”