Sexual Health in the Era of Cancer Genetic Testing: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Genetic testing for germline cancer mutations allows individuals to gain specific knowledge of their hereditary cancer risks. Although risk-reducing strategies such as increased screening, prophylactic surgeries, and chemoprevention may be potentially lifesaving, these options can also significantly impact sexual health and function. This study overviews current challenges at the intersection of cancer genetic testing and sexual health and describes a systematic review that summarizes this evidence, identifies methodological limitations, and provides future research directions. Articles on the intersection of genetic testing and/or family history of cancer, cancer risk, and sexual health were searched in Medline, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES databases. The main outcome measure was sexual health in women who pursued risk-reducing surgery. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, 32 studies were reviewed. 31 contained empiric data from 3,367 participants; one was a conceptual study. All studies were published between 2000 and 2019. Mean ages ranged from 38 to 51.2. Given the prevalence of sexual dysfunction after risk-reducing surgery, evidence-based interventions are needed. Furthermore, quality of life that includes sexual health, in at-risk women who pursue preventive surgery, remains an understudied aspect of cancer genetic testing. Yusufov M, Bober SL. Sexual Health in the Era of Cancer Genetic Testing: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:231-241.