Examining Associations Among Sexual Health, Unmet Care Needs, and Distress in Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated breast and gynecologic cancer patients' sexual function, unmet needs related to sexuality, and distress.

Data sources: Secondary analyses of a cross-sectional survey study evaluated measures of sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]), unmet needs (Supportive Care Needs Scale), and distress (Patient Health Questionnaire). χ² test, t tests, and analysis of variances (ANOVAs) tested bivariate relationships. Subgroup comparisons were made based on the Female Sexual Function Index sexual dysfunction diagnostic cut-off score (<26.55; lower scores indicate greater dysfunction). A regression model tested associations between sexual function and unmet needs with distress as the outcome variable.

Conclusion: Clinically significant sexual dysfunction was common in this cohort of women. In multivariate modeling, worse sexual function and greater unmet sexuality needs related to greater distress. Future work should explore reasons behind the high levels of sexual dysfunction and unmet needs in female survivors.

Implications for nursing practice: It is important to routinely screen for sexual health concerns among female cancer survivors at all phases of the cancer trajectory including years posttreatment.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer survivorship; Gynecologic cancer; Psychological distress; Quality of life; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual health.