Effects of cancer therapy on sexuality and quality of life (QoL) of patients with gynecologic malignancies (GM): Results from 55 pts.

Abstract

e19597 Background: Sexuality is a crucial issue influenced by social norms, shame and moral taboos and is generally not discussed in the clinical day and research community. Aim of our study was to systematically evaluate the sexual function and quality of life of cancer pts after operative and systemic treatment in GM. Methods: We assessed in a prospective setting sexual function and quality of life aspects of patients with histological proven GM after completed treatment. Validated questionnaires about sexuality (Female Sexual Function Index 19 items), quality of life (SF-12) as well an additional semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 20 items were answered by all pts at the earliest 3 months after end of treatment during cancer care follow up visit. Results: Overall 55 pts with median age 61 (range, 22-74) were evaluated including 54% ovarian, 26% breast, 13% cervical cancer, 2% endometrial- and 6% vulvar cancer pts. Overall 32.7% (n=18) of the pts stated that they have sexual problems. Based on the FSFI (<26.5) more pts (58.2%) presented sexual problems. The main reasons for an impaired sexuality were a subjective lost of attractiveness (45%; n=9); vaginal dryness (25%; n=5) followed by fear of injury (20%; n=4). 36.4% (n=20) described a change of sexuality after cancer therapy, 8 pts stated positive, 12 pts negative changes. 40% of the pts stated that they have not searched for information about sexual aspects during or after cancer therapy while 25% of the pts have asked their physicians. Patients who lived in a partnership had higher SF12 scores than singles but not different global QoL-scores. Multivariate analysis revealed ovarian, endometrial, and vulvar cancer but not age, disease stage and presence of partner to negatively affect sexual function . SF12 evaluation showed significantly higher psychological functionality with increasing age. Impaired sexuality was always associated with lower scores in SF12. Conclusions: There is a high need of sexual function assessment after cancer treatment of GM patients using validated questionnaires. Only few pts have access to information about sexuality. Strategies are warranted to improve the discussion about this relevant topic.