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Long term sexual function following rectal cancer treatment
Joyce H Pang1, Zoë Jones2, Orrin B Myers3
1Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|July 19, 2020
Summary
Rectal cancer survivors frequently experience sexual dysfunction and desire more physician communication about this common side effect. Gender differences exist in how healthcare providers discuss sexual health post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sexual Medicine
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Rectal cancer treatments, including surgery, can significantly impact patients' quality of life.
- Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent and often distressing consequence of rectal cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the rates of sexual dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors.
- To explore patient desire for physician communication regarding sexual health post-treatment.
- To identify potential gender-based differences in physician counseling on sexual dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey-based study design.
- Inclusion of rectal cancer patients treated between 2005-2016.
- Utilized Quality of Life measure for oncology (QoL-30), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 21% (n=47) was achieved, with 17 females and 30 males.
- Physician discussion of sexual function was recalled by 50% of males versus 18% of females (p=0.034).
- Over 50% of participants wished for prior physician discussion about potential sexual dysfunction.
- In men, QoL-30 scores correlated significantly with erectile function and overall satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Rectal cancer survivors commonly experience posttreatment sexual dysfunction.
- Patients desire open communication with physicians about sexual health concerns.
- Gender disparities exist in physician counseling approaches to posttreatment sexual dysfunction.