ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the impact of early-stage gynecological cancer and its treatment on sexuality and assessed needs for care regarding sexual rehabilitation. Data from 58 women from a prospective, longitudinal study were compared to data from 220 women from a cross-sectional study. Patients in the prospective study completed questionnaires prior to treatment and then 6 and 12 months post-treatment. A single assessment was obtained from patients in the cross-sectional study. All women had a partner. Both groups were comparable on important independent variables. Both samples had an equal level of sexual contact, but participants in the cross-sectional study (mean time 46 months post-treatment) reported a higher frequency of sexual problems, were more troubled by those problems and reported a lower sexual satisfaction. However, in both groups the level of the reported dysfunctions was relatively low. Around 80% of the patients were satisfied with the information provided on sexual rehabilitation. Little need for extra care on sexual rehabilitation was reported. In conclusion, women with early-stage gynecological cancer were not especially prone to severe sexual problems and seemed to cope well with the consequences of cancer and its treatment on their sexual lives. It was suggested that this relatively positive outcome is a result of the improved patient care and education on sexual aspects in the last decade.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Genital Neoplasms, Female/psychology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/etiology , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Genital Neoplasms, Female/surgery , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Middle Aged , Netherlands , Prospective Studies , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Data are presented of a prospective, longitudinal study on the impact of early stage gynecological cancer on sexuality. Women with a partner (n = 58) completed self-report questionnaires following diagnosis but prior to treatment and then at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. A single assessment was also obtained from a healthy comparison group (n = 103). Pre-treatment cancer patients reported fewer and less trouble with sexual problems compared to healthy controls. Neither sexual satisfaction nor sexual activity changed from pre- to post-treatment and was comparable to that of healthy controls. Post-treatment, relatively minor sexual difficulties were shown; a notable difficulty for cancer patients concerned lubrication. At 12 months post-treatment, the sexual functioning of cancer patients was comparable to healthy controls.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Here we report the results of a randomized study undertaken to test the efficacy of a supplementary, telephone-based nursing intervention in increasing patients' awareness and understanding of the clinical trials in which they are asked to participate. METHODS: During a 12-month period, 180 cancer patients who were approached to participate in a phase II or III clinical trial were randomized to undergo either of the following: (1) standard informed consent procedures based on verbal explanations from the treating physician plus written information (controls); or (2) standard informed consent procedures plus a supplementary, telephone-based contact with an oncology nurse (intervention). For purposes of evaluation, face-to-face interviews were conducted with all patients approximately 1 week after the informed consent process had been completed. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to sociodemographic and clinical variables. Both groups had a high level of awareness of the diagnosis and of the nature and objectives of the proposed treatments. The intervention group was significantly (P < .01) better informed about the following: (1) the risks and side effects of treatment; (2) the clinical trial context of the treatment; (3) the objectives of the clinical trial; (4) where relevant, the use of randomization in allocating treatment; (5) the availability of alternative treatments; (6) the voluntary nature of participation; and (7) the right to withdraw from the clinical trial. The intervention did not have any significant effect on patients' anxiety levels or on rates of clinical trial participation. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. CONCLUSION: The use of a supplementary, telephone-based nursing intervention is a feasible and effective means to increase cancer patients' awareness and understanding of the salient issues that surround the clinical trials in which they are asked to participate.
