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Several recent studies presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)’s Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer have shed light on the often-overlooked issue of sexual function among women with cancer, highlighting both patient needs and the evolving role of clinicians in addressing these concerns.
The studies, conducted by researchers from various institutions including Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and NYU Langone Health, underscore the significant impact of cancer and its treatment on sexual health and intimate relationships. Decreased sexual function, a common side effect across various cancer types such as uterine, cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer, is frequently left unaddressed, according to the authors.
One study led by Jesse T. Brewer and colleagues from Weill Cornell Medicine revealed that while many cancer patients express a desire to discuss sexuality and intimacy with their healthcare team, they may feel overwhelmed at the time of diagnosis. Despite the importance patients place on these discussions, the initiation often falls to the healthcare provider.
Dr. Don S. Dizon, an oncologist specializing in women’s cancers at Brown University, emphasized the critical role of oncologists in opening the door to conversations about sexual health, recognizing that patients may be hesitant to broach the subject themselves.
Another study, conducted by Naaman Mehta and colleagues from NYU Langone Health, highlighted healthcare providers’ perspectives on addressing sexual health concerns. While approximately 60% of respondents reported routinely asking about sexual health concerns, there was a notable disparity in discussion initiation between female and male providers. Female providers were significantly more likely to broach the topic, signaling a potential area for improvement in healthcare provider training and awareness.
The studies underscore the need for a multidimensional approach to managing sexual issues in cancer patients, considering biological, psychological, social, cultural, and interpersonal factors. Strategies include early education for patients about potential sexual side effects of cancer treatment, proactive screening by healthcare providers, and access to specialized services such as sex therapy and couples counseling.
Looking ahead, researchers emphasize the importance of expanding research efforts to include a wider patient population, particularly LGBTQIA individuals who have been historically underrepresented in sexual health studies. Additionally, emerging areas of research such as shielding the clitoris from the impacts of radiation hold promise for improving sexual outcomes for cancer patients.
Overall, the findings from these studies highlight the growing recognition of sexual health as an integral component of comprehensive cancer care and the importance of tailored interventions to address the unique needs of cancer patients and survivors.
This article originally appeared on MDedge.com, part of the Medscape Professional Network.
