Sexual Health Status of Gynecological Cancer Survivors in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH)

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate sexual health status of gynecological cancer survivors. The secondary objective was to identify the benefits of sexual health counselling in cancer survivors.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed from June 2019 to February 2020. Inclusion criteria were sexually active patients before diagnosis of gynecological cancer, aged 18 years or more and could understand Thai language. Patients who refused to participate or answer the questionnaire or had an active psychiatric disorder were excluded. The questionnaire was created and used as a tool to assess the sexual health status of gynecological cancer survivors. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability before use. Questionnaires were given to participants and the participants answered the questionnaire by themselves. Baseline characteristics and details of the questionnaire were collected.
Results: One hundred and five participants were recruited. Mean age was 50.31 ± 10.26 years. Sixty-one patients (58.1%) had anxiousness and sexual health concerns. More than half of the participants never received sexual health information from physicians. Menopausal symptoms occurred in 53% of women. Sixty-two patients (59%) resumed sexual activity after complete treatment with mean duration of 9.23 ± 7.13 months. Factors related to the resumption of sexual activity was pre-menopausal status before treatment.
Conclusion: More than half of gynecological cancer survivors have sexual health concerns and need counselling. Gynecologic oncologists should discuss this aspect with patients to improve the quality of life of the patients.