Sexual aspects of patients after treatment of penile cancer: Reports of patients accompanied at Urology Oncology service of a public hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT The penile cancer is a rare neoplasia affecting mostly the lower income and scholarship socioeconomic levels. Patients with penile cancer live for several months with the symptoms before seeking a urologist. The delay of seeking medical assistance is mainly due to the fact that own recognition of having a serious disease, fear of treatment and surgery. Delayed treatment affects the severity of prognostic and quality of life of patients. For the advanced stages, penectomy is still the best available treatment. This study aims to comprehend the meaning of the experience of patients with penile cancer who underwent partial or total penectomy. The medical records of patients who were surgically treated due to this neoplasia were reviewed in the hospital database. After reviewing the data, the researchers contacted the patients and offered the interview with the psychology group of the Oncology Urology outpatient clinic. On the scheduled return day, patients met with the psychologist, which applied semi-structured interviews seeking the meaning of the lived experience. After conducting the interview, the literal transcription and subsequent synthesis of what was transcribed was carried out. From the collected data, two more syntheses will be made in search of the units of meaning and then analysis of the collected speeches, seeking to understand the meaning of the lived experience. After completion of the process, the syntheses will be submitted to 2 independent psychologist colleagues for a better understanding of the described phenomena. Were interviewed 7 men who had penile cancer and underwent treatment, with total or partial penectomy. The average age among survey participants is 57,3 years. Of the interviewed patients, 4 are married, 2 are single but in a relationship, and 1 is divorced. All patients reported unfavorable sociocultural and socioeconomic aspects, lacking basic information on self-care and on who cared for them. The research was developed considering the ethics principles of confidentiality and privacy. This study does not offer any physical or psychological risk for the participants. Prior to the interview the “Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE)” was provided, as well as every detail of the research. It is also explained that participation is voluntary and that the participant can leave the research at any time, without causing harm to their treatment and monitoring. The results are in a qualitative analysis. There are indications of significant themes, such as heredity, fear, faith, acceptance, care, neglect and suffering. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.