Intimacy After Diagnosis: Navigating Sexual Health Conversations and Disparities Among Cancer Survivors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Sexual Medicine
• Patient-Provider Communication

Background:

• Cancer treatments frequently cause sexual dysfunction, affecting patients' quality of life.
• Effective communication regarding sexual health is crucial for cancer patient care but often lacking.
• Disparities exist in how oncologists address sexual health concerns between male and female patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in cancer patients.
• To identify gaps in communication between healthcare providers and cancer patients regarding sexual health.
• To explore patient perspectives on discussing sexual health with oncologists.

Main Methods:

• A 36-item survey was administered to 916 cancer patients via a recruitment service and social media.
• The survey assessed the impact of cancer treatment on sexual function, provider communication, and potential interventions.
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to compare group differences (P < 0.05).

Main Results:

• 71.8% of patients reported sexual dysfunction due to cancer treatment, impacting desire, body image, arousal, comfort, and orgasm.
• Only 35.5% of patients were asked about sexual health by their oncologist, and 22.2% received a sexual health questionnaire.
• While 74% of patients deem sexual health discussions essential, oncologists were more likely to inquire with prostate cancer patients (60.3%) than breast cancer patients (21.4%).

Conclusions:

• Cancer survivors emphasize the importance of discussing sexual health with oncologists.
• A significant gap exists in provider-patient communication regarding sexual health issues in cancer care.
• Oncologists demonstrate a bias, addressing sexual health concerns more frequently with male patients compared to female patients.