Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) can be treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical hysterectomy (RH), and there is much debate about which treatment strategy is best for preserving individuals’ sexual functioning and quality of life. CRT has demonstrated drawbacks when it comes to cancer patients’ sexuality and quality of life, but less is known about the long-term effects of NACT-RH as a treatment for LACC.
A recent retrospective case-control study examined the quality of life and sexual functioning of 48 LACC survivors who were treated with NACT-RH and 48 control patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine fibromatosis in the same time period (September 2009 – February 2015). The patients underwent treatment at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology of Umberto I Hospital in Rome.
After providing written and informed consent to participate in the study, the patients completed three validated questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life questionnaire (QLQ) EORTC QLQ-C30, the EORTC QLQ-CX24, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The quality-of-life questionnaires result in an overall “global health status score” and measure individuals’ fatigue, pain, nausea, appetite loss, sleep disturbance, constipation, diarrhea, and the financial impact of their condition. On the other hand, the FSFI assesses female sexual function through six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.
The average age of the LACC patients was 45.5 years. Across the board, the LACC patients had worse quality of life and sexual function than the control patients. With regard to symptoms, the LACC patients also experienced worse or more severe symptoms.
The results of this study are discouraging, but they point to the importance of supporting LACC patients with their sexual function and quality of life after treatment, as well as that of employing cervical cancer prevention strategies like human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and routine cancer screening globally.
LACC survivors may be able to take steps to improve their quality of life. For example, they can work with a sex therapist and/or sexual medicine specialist to navigate changes in their sexual function and establish new, healthy routines with intimacy. Connecting with other cancer survivors is a good way to get support from a community that is facing the same challenges. Finally, maintaining open communication with romantic partners, family members, and health care providers is important so that patients can have their needs met and not suffer unnecessarily.
Resources:
Palaia, I., Santangelo, G., Caruso, G., Perniola, G., Tibaldi, V., Muzii, L., Panici, P.B., & Di Donato, V. (2022). Long-term Quality of Life and Sexual Function After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Surgery for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(4), 613-619. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.519
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
Heteronormativity and Prostate Cancer in Gay and Bisexual Men
August 3, 2021Did You Know?
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
July 20, 2021Blog
How Sex Changes With Age
August 24, 2021SMSNA Patients
Sex and Multiple Sclerosis: Barriers Between Patients and Providers
May 18, 2021Blog
The Gynogram: Paving the Way for Better Postmenopausal Sex?
July 6, 2021SMSNA Patients
New Survey Finds Most Adolescents Who Have Labia Minora Surgery Are Satisfied
May 4, 2021Did You Know?
Outercourse
March 23, 2021SMSNA
Guide for Taking a Sexual Health History
July 15, 2021SMSNA Patients
Benefits of Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown
February 9, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
