More than just “vaginal dryness”: Addressing an unmet need for sexual health intervention in female cancer survivors.

Abstract

e24050 Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in cancer survivors is underreported and therefore undertreated. This study aims to describe the population of female cancer survivors seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction through a novel sexual health after cancer program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to characterize patients presenting to the MUSIC (Menopause, Urogenital, Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic) Program at a NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida. Patients received a baseline Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and underwent a physical, including abdominopelvic, exam. The FSFI is a 19-item survey previously validated for use in female cancer survivors. Severity of dysfunction (by presenting symptom, physical exam, and FSFI) was correlated to demographic and cancer characteristics. Sexual dysfunction was defined as ≤26.55. Results: Between 2020-2021, 104 female cis-gender women with a median age of 46 (range 19-75) at diagnosis were seen. 56% identified as Hispanic/Latinx. Most were treated for breast (80%) or gynecologic (10%) cancer. Common presenting symptoms included vaginal dryness (55%), painful sex (45%), low desire (36%) and hot flashes (22%). Patients who disclosed details about pain (n = 62) reported penetration was possible but uncomfortable (16%), possible but painful (66%) or impossible due to pain (18%). Those who disclosed changes with orgasm (n = 43) reported it was more difficult (26%), or impossible (23%). Of those completing the FSFI (n = 66), median Desire Domain score was 1.2 (IQR 1.2-2.4), and median Total Score was 8.1 (IQR 2.9-16.4), with 97% of patients meeting criteria for FSD (Table). Conclusions: The present study highlights a continued unmet need to address severe sexual health concerns in the growing female cancer survivor population. Future work will describe treatment strategies employed and their effectiveness at symptom resolution and quality-of-life improvement.[Table: see text]