Abstract C014: Questions I'd Wished I'd Asked: Cervical Cancer Survivors' Perceptions about Provider Education on Impact of Treatment on Sexual Health

Abstract

Abstract This poster shares perspectives of cervical cancer (CC) survivors related to the information they received about how their diagnosis and treatment may impact their sexual health. Mick, Hughes, & Cohen’s (2004) BETTER model was modified into an electronic survey format. The study (n = 89) had 15 variables and two open ended questions. Independent variables were: Age (current and at diagnosis); CC stage; Race; Ethnicity; Insurance status at diagnosis; Educational completion; and Urbanicity. Participants also reported independent variables related to provider gender and type. Dependent variables were five modified BETTER model questions and a question regarding the offer of fertility options following treatment. Open ended questions on the social/cultural impact of diagnosis and the opportunity to share any questions they wished they had asked were included adding depth to the closed ended questions. Outcomes revealed three significant findings. 1) Of respondents reporting that their provider did not explain that they could discuss any concerns during their treatment more than half, of respondents, fell at the lower end of the educational level. 2) There was an association between provider gender and offers of information about fertility preservation. 3) Female providers were 31% more likely to offer fertility information. Although not statistically significant, nearly 50% of the CC survivors reported that issues in the sexual domain were not introduced during discussion of treatment options. This study supports use of the BETTER model as a teaching tool in oncology practices facilitating quality patient centered care by reducing gaps in addressing sexual domain issues related to treatment options. Ultimately, participant perspectives’ will be used to modify public domain educational materials used in oncology practices and cancer support organizations to reflect a more patient centered approach to health in the sexual domain. Citation Format: Gail Petersen Hock. Questions I'd Wished I'd Asked: Cervical Cancer Survivors' Perceptions about Provider Education on Impact of Treatment on Sexual Health [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C014.