Prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in young women following a cancer diagnosis – a population-based study
Lena Wettergren, Lars E. Eriksson, Charlotta Bergström, Christel Hedman, Johan Ahlgren, Karin E. Smedby, Kristina Hellman, Roger Henriksson, Claudia Lampic
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Self-reported sex problems among women diagnosed with reproductive and nonreproductive cancers before the age of 40 are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine sexual dysfunction in young women following a cancer diagnosis in relation to women of the general population. Furthermore, to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: = 493). Sexual activity and function were assessed with the PROMIS® SexFS. Logistic regression was used to assess differences between women with cancer and the comparison group, and to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: The majority of the women with cancer (83%) as well as the women from the comparison group (87%) reported having had sex the last month (partner sex and/or masturbation). More than 60% of the women with cancer (all diagnoses) reported sexual dysfunction in at least one of the measured domains. The women with cancer reported statistically significantly more problems than women of the comparison group across domains such as decreased interest in having sex, and vaginal and vulvar discomfort. Women with gynecological or breast cancer and those receiving more intense treatment were at particular high risk of sexual dysfunction (≥2 domains). Concurrent emotional distress and body image disturbance were associated with more dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the need to routinely assess sexual health in clinical care and follow-up. Based on the results, development of interventions to support women to cope with cancer-related sexual dysfunction is recommended.