Survivorship: Sexual Dysfunction (Female), Version 1.2013

Denlinger, Crystal S.; Carlson, R. W.; Are, Madhuri; Scott, Baker, K.; Davis, Elizabeth; Edge, Stephen B.; Friedman, Debra L.; Goldman, Mindy; Jones, Lee W.; King, Allison A.; Kvale, Elizabeth; Langbaum, Terry S.; Ligibel, Jennifer A.; McCabe, Mary S.; McVary, Kevin T.; Melisko, Michelle; Montoya, José G.; Mooney, Kathi; Morgan, Mary Ann; O’Connor, Tracey; Paskett, Electra D.; Raza, Muhammad Ali; Syrjala, Karen L.; Urba, Susan G.; Wakabayashi, Mark T.; Zee, Phyllis C.; McMillian, Nicole R.; Freedman-Cass, Deborah A.

doi:10.6004/jnccn.2014.0019

Cited by 17 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Female cancer survivors should be asked about their sexual function at regular intervals and assessment should include their sexual function before cancer, current sexual activity, and how cancer treatment has affected their sexual health and relationship with their partner. The NCCN recommends the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for Women as a primary screening tool (Figure2) [74, 75]. Another option is a single-item screener for self-reporting sexual problems recently published by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System ® (PROMIS ® ) group and the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer (Figure 2) [76].…”

Section: Evaluation and Assessment Of Sexual Health In The Gynecologimentioning

confidence: 99%

Maintaining sexual health throughout gynecologic cancer survivorship: A comprehensive review and clinical guide

Huffman

Hartenbach

Carter

et al. 2016

Gynecologic Oncology

135

129

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Objective The diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancer can cause short- and long-term negative effects on sexual health and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of the sexual health concerns of gynecologic cancer survivors and discuss evidence-based treatment options for commonly encountered sexual health issues. Methods A comprehensive literature search of English language studies on sexual health in gynecologic cancer survivors and the treatment of sexual dysfunction was conducted in MEDLINE databases. Relevant data are presented in this review. Additionally, personal and institutional practices are incorporated where relevant. Results Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among gynecologic cancer survivors as a result of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy--negatively impacting QoL. Many patients expect their healthcare providers to address sexual health concerns, but most have never discussed sex-related issues with their physician. Lubricants, moisturizers, and dilators are effective, simple, non-hormonal interventions that can alleviate the morbidity of vaginal atrophy, stenosis, and pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an additional tool to address dyspareunia. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be beneficial to patients reporting problems with sexual interest, arousal, and orgasm. Conclusion Oncology providers can make a significant impact on the QoL of gynecologic cancer survivors by addressing sexual health concerns. Simple strategies can be implemented into clinical practice to discuss and treat many sexual issues. Referral to specialized sexual health providers may be needed to address more complex problems.

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Section: Evaluation and Assessment Of Sexual Health In The Gynecologimentioning

confidence: 99%

Maintaining sexual health throughout gynecologic cancer survivorship: A comprehensive review and clinical guide

Huffman

Hartenbach

Carter

et al. 2016

Gynecologic Oncology

135

129

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Moreover, tendencies towards negative appraisal of cancer-related alterations in sexual functioning can contribute to further emotional and sexual difficulties (Carpenter et al, 2009;Cleary & Hegarty, 2011;Gilbert et al, 2011;Stead et al, 2007). The many etiological roots of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress are therefore interconnected and complex, with physiological, psychological and social factors interacting to influence sexual wellbeing (Boquiren et al, 2016;Denlinger et al, 2014). …”

Section: Impacts Of Cancer and Its Treatment On Sexual Wellbeingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sexual wellbeing is affected by cancer and its treatments through a variety of interacting biopsychosocial pathways (Bae & Park, 2016;Boquiren et al, 2016;Carpenter, Andersen, Fowler, & Maxwell, 2009;Cull et al, 1993;Grimm et al, 2015). In women treated for diverse cancer diagnoses, issues related to sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication and pain often interfere with sexual function and are accompanied by significant distress (Denlinger et al, 2014;Falk & Dizon, 2013;Stead et al, 2007). While some symptoms of sexual dysfunction are most acutely disruptive during or immediately following treatment, sexual challenges persist for many years into survivorship (Gilbert et al, 2011).…”

Section: Impacts Of Cancer and Its Treatment On Sexual Wellbeingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comprehensive review of sexual health concerns after cancer treatment and the biopsychosocial treatment options available to female patients

2017

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The repercussions of cancer diagnosis and treatment profoundly impact the sexual wellbeing of women prior to, during, and following cancer treatment. Sexual health concerns are often under-addressed within clinical and research settings, and information tends to be limited to women with breast or gynecological cancers. In this narrative literature review, the authors critically evaluate research published between 1990 and 2016, pertaining to sexual health concerns of women diagnosed with cancer, of any type or stage, and to the psychosocial and biomedical interventions that currently exist for the treatment of sexual health-related side-effects (e.g. vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and vulvo-vaginal atrophy). The findings of 109 published articles are discussed and summarised according to four central themes: how cancer affects female sexual wellbeing; physical impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment; emotional impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment; and interventions for sexual dysfunction. Suggestions to enhance research and clinical practice in relation to the sexual health concerns of women following cancer treatments are also presented. Concerns pertaining to women's sexual health are diverse, multiple, and pervade all types and stages of cancer. Several evidence-based psychosocial and biomedical interventions exist to help women manage physical and psychosocial ramifications of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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“…As a result, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), along with many oncology and sexual health organizations, have recommended addressing sexual function as part of standard survivorship care [9–14]. These recommendations are pertinent to both oncology and sexual health providers, given the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer requirement for all ACS‐accredited cancer facilities to phase in provision of formal Survivorship Care Plans to patients beginning in 2015 [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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Survivorship: Sexual Dysfunction (Female), Version 1.2013

Cited by 17 publications

References 54 publications

Maintaining sexual health throughout gynecologic cancer survivorship: A comprehensive review and clinical guide

Maintaining sexual health throughout gynecologic cancer survivorship: A comprehensive review and clinical guide

A comprehensive review of sexual health concerns after cancer treatment and the biopsychosocial treatment options available to female patients

Female Sexual Health Training for Oncology Providers: New Applications

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