Baseline characteristics and concerns of female cancer patients/survivors seeking treatment at a Female Sexual Medicine Program Journal Article
| Authors: | Carter, J.; Stabile, C.; Seidel, B.; Baser, R. E.; Gunn, A. R.; Chi, S.; Steed, R. F.; Goldfarb, S.; Goldfrank, D. J. |
| Article Title: | Baseline characteristics and concerns of female cancer patients/survivors seeking treatment at a Female Sexual Medicine Program |
| Abstract: | Purpose: The purpose of this study is to characterize patients seeking treatment at a Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program and examine their sexual/vaginal health issues. Methods: Data from clinical assessment forms were extracted from 509 women referred to the Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program during/after cancer treatment. The form consists of a Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS), vaginal health items, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (Sexual Activity Questionnaire [SAQ], Sexual Self-Schema Scale [SSS], Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]), and exploratory items. Results: Of 509 patients, 493 (97 %) completed PROs; 253 (50 %) received a pelvic examination. The majority had a history of breast (n = 260, 51 %), gynecologic (n = 184, 36 %), or colorectal/anal (n = 35, 7 %) cancer. Mean age was 51.2 years; 313 (62 %) were married/partnered. Approximately two thirds had elevated vaginal pH scores (5–6.5 [35 %] or 6.5+ [33 %]) and minimal (62 %) or no (5 %) vaginal moisture. Eighty-seven patients (44 %) experienced pain during their exam (23 % mild, 11 % moderate, 1.5 % severe, and 8.5 % not indicated). Fifty-three percent engaged in sexual activity with a partner; only 43 % felt confident about future sexual activity. Ninety-three percent were somewhat to very concerned/worried about sexual function/vaginal health. Approximately half had moderate/severe dryness (n = 133, 51 %) and dyspareunia (n = 120, 46 %). The mean SSS score was 60.7, indicating a slightly positive sexual self-view. However, 93.5 % (n = 429) had an FSFI score <26.55, suggesting sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: At initial consult, women reported vaginal dryness, pain, and sexual dysfunction. For many women, pelvic exams showed elevated vaginal pH, lack of moisture, and discomfort with the exam itself. Future analyses will examine changes over time. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. |
| Keywords: | adult; aged; major clinical study; cancer patient; quality of life; dyspareunia; vaginal dryness; survivorship; malignant neoplastic disease; health; sexual behavior; vaginal health; female sexual function index; sexual health; help seeking behavior; pelvic examination; female sexual health; cancer; human; female; priority journal; article; genital system disease assessment; sexual activity questionnaire; sexual self schema scale; vagina ph; vaginal assessment scale |
| Journal Title: | Supportive Care in Cancer |
| Volume: | 23 |
| Issue: | 8 |
| ISSN: | 0941-4355 |
| Publisher: | Springer Verlag |
| Date Published: | 2015-08-01 |
| Start Page: | 2255 |
| End Page: | 2265 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s00520-014-2573-9 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 25567673 |
| PMCID: | PMC4979074 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Export Date: 3 August 2015 -- Source: Scopus |
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