Improvement in sexual function after ovarian cancer: Effects of sexual therapy and rehabilitation after treatment for ovarian cancer. Issue 1 (7th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bober, Sharon L.; Recklitis, Christopher J.; Michaud, Alexis L.; Wright, Alexi A.
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 124:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2017-09-07
• Subjects: gynecological cancer and sexual dysfunction -- ovarian cancer -- quality of life and cancer -- sexual health; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a distressing long‐term effect after gynecological cancer and affects the majority of survivors for years after the completion of therapy. Despite its prevalence, treatment‐related sexual dysfunction is underrecognized and undertreated for survivors. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and test a brief psychoeducational intervention for managing sexual dysfunction for women who have undergone treatment for ovarian cancer (OC). METHODS: Forty‐six OC survivors with documented, treatment‐related sexual dysfunction received a single half‐day group intervention that included sexual health education and rehabilitation training, relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy skills to address sexual symptoms, and a single tailored booster telephone call 4 weeks after the group. Assessment measures were completed at the baseline (baseline 1), after an 8‐week no‐treatment run‐in period (baseline 2), and then again 2 and 6 months after the intervention. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual functioning, and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI‐18) was used to capture psychological distress. RESULTS: Between baseline 1 and baseline 2, there were no significant changes in the study measures, and this indicated no natural improvement during the run‐in period. In contrast, the total FSFI scores improved significantly from baseline 1 to the 2‐ (n = 45; P < .0005) and 6‐month time points (n = 42; P < .05). The BSI‐18 scores were also significantly improved at the 2‐ ( P < .005) and 6‐month time points ( P < .01) in comparison with baseline 1. CONCLUSIONS: This brief behavioral intervention led to significant improvements in overall sexual functioning and psychological distress that were maintained at the 6‐month follow‐up. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this brief, low‐intensity behavioral intervention and support the development of a larger randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2018;124:176‐82 . © 2017 American Cancer Society . Abstract : To address distressing, documented sexual dysfunction secondary to gynecological oncology treatment, a brief behavioral intervention has been developed and delivered to 46 ovarian cancer survivors. The results from this low‐intensity intervention demonstrate significant improvements in overall sexual functioning and psychological distress at 2 and 6 months of follow‐up.