A Pilot Study of Psychosexual Functioning and Communication in Women Treated for Advanced Stages of Cervical Cancer After the Diagnosis

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between body image, perceived stress, partner and patient-provider sexual communication, and sexual functioning in women with advanced stages of cervical cancer (CC) after the cancer diagnosis.MethodsIn this pilot study, cancer patients (n = 30) and healthy women (n = 30) were compared. A study was conducted from January to March 2022. Sexual functioning and its predictors were assessed using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES), the self-administered questionnaire contributing the patient-provider sexual communication, and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). The data was collected from January to June 2022.ResultsWomen with cervical cancer after the diagnosis reported impaired sexual functioning, which was associated with self-efficacy in sexual communication, feeling comfortable discussing sexual issues with a healthcare provider, perceived stress, and body image. Compared to the control group, CC patients had significantly lower sexual functioning (mean 8.83 vs 19.23; p < 0.001).ConclusionsSexual functioning in women with CC is significantly impaired even after the diagnosis and is associated with psychosocial variables. The expanded study will include other predictors of sexual functioning and quality of life in women with CC on the larger group of patients.Policy ImplicationsAs cancer becomes a more chronic disease that affects even younger individuals, social policy should promote the sexuality issues in cancer patients, as it is an integral part of every person’s life, regardless of health status or age.