Sexual problems for young women who've had cancer highlighted in novel study

Young women cancer survivors are at much higher risk of sexual problems including loss of libido and discomfort, according to research published in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Oncologica.

The findings are based on nearly 700 women diagnosed with breast and other cancers before the age of 40. They show women are equally sexually active as those without these diseases but a significantly higher proportion experience intimacy difficulties.

Lack of interest in sex (45%) was the number one issue cancer patients reported, followed by problems around achieving orgasm (34%) and satisfaction with sex life (22%).These concerns were also common among women in the general population without a cancer diagnosis but to a lesser extent (32%, 28%, and 19% respectively).

Now, a team of researchers are urging medics to provide sexual wellbeing support where appropriate. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vaginal moisturizers and psychosexual counselling are among strategies they suggest, including for single women.

The authors of this study wanted to determine the extent and cause of the problems young female cancer patients face. Data was based on 694 women aged 18 to 39, diagnosed between January 2016 to August 2017, and identified through official national health registries. Half had breast cancer and the rest gynaecological cancer, brain tumors or lymphoma. A total of 53% had undergone treatment rated 'very' or 'most' in terms of its intensity, or how extensive it was.

All were surveyed one-and-a-half years after diagnosis about their sex lives over the last month. Questions were based on eight topics relating to sexual activity such as satisfaction with sex life, interest in sexual activity, discomfort and pain when engaging in sexual activity, and ability to orgasm.

Findings showed that the majority of women with cancer and those without (83% vs 87% respectively) had sex in the last 30 days, either with a partner or through masturbation.

Older women and those with breast or gynaecological cancer were at higher risk of sex-related problems. This was also the case with patients undergoing more intense treatment such as high- dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Emotional distress and a distorted perception of their bodies following cancer treatment were associated with greater sexual dysfunction.

Vaginal dryness or pain, and feeling unattractive were the key factors linked to lack of sexual activity with a partner. This was among cancer patients and the authors highlight that these are all potentially related to cancer treatment.

Reference:

Lena Wettergren et al,Acta Oncologica, DOI:10.1080/0284186X.2022.2112283