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Erschienen in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 1/2017

25.05.2017 | Clinical trial

Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer

verfasst von: Cara Stabile, Shari Goldfarb, Raymond E. Baser, Deborah J. Goldfrank, Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum, Richard R. Barakat, Maura N. Dickler, Jeanne Carter

Erschienen in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | Ausgabe 1/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess sexual/vaginal health issues and educational intervention preferences in women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer.

Methods

Patients/survivors completed a cross-sectional survey at their outpatient visits. Main outcome measures were sexual dysfunction prevalence, type of sexual/vaginal issues, awareness of treatments, and preferred intervention modalities. Descriptive frequencies were performed, and results were dichotomized by age, treatment status, and disease site.

Results

Of 218 eligible participants, 109 (50%) had a history of gynecologic and 109 (50%) a history of breast cancer. Median age was 49 years (range 21–75); 61% were married/cohabitating. Seventy percent (n = 153) were somewhat-to-very concerned about sexual function/vaginal health, 55% (n = 120) reported vaginal dryness, 39% (n = 84) vaginal pain, and 51% (n = 112) libido loss. Many had heard of vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, and pelvic floor exercises (97, 72, and 57%, respectively). Seventy-four percent (n = 161) had used lubricants, 28% moisturizers (n = 61), and 28% pelvic floor exercises (n = 60). Seventy percent (n = 152) preferred the topic to be raised by the medical team; 48% (n = 105) raised the topic themselves. Most preferred written educational material followed by expert discussion (66%, n = 144/218). Compared to women ≥50 years old (41%, n = 43/105), younger women (54%, n = 61/113) preferred to discuss their concerns face-to-face (p = 0.054). Older women were less interested in online interventions (52%, p < 0.001), despite 94% having computer access.

Conclusion

Female cancer patients/survivors have unmet sexual/vaginal health needs. Preferences for receiving sexual health information vary by age. Improved physician–patient communication, awareness, and educational resources using proven sexual health promotion strategies can help women cope with treatment side effects.
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Metadaten
Titel
Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer
verfasst von
Cara Stabile
Shari Goldfarb
Raymond E. Baser
Deborah J. Goldfrank
Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum
Richard R. Barakat
Maura N. Dickler
Jeanne Carter
Publikationsdatum
25.05.2017
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment / Ausgabe 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0167-6806
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-7217
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4305-6

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