Sexual function and quality of life in women with cervical cancer before radiotherapy: a pilot study

Author(s)

Grion, Regina Celia ^[1] ; Baccaro, Luiz Francisco ^[2] ; Vaz, Ana Francisca ^[1] ; Costa-Paiva, Lucia ^[2] ; Conde, Delio Marques ^[3] ; Pinto-Neto, Aarao Mendes ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Dept Gynecol, Div Radiotherapy, BR-13083881 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Dept Gynecol, Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, BR-13083881 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Hosp Maternal & Child Healthcare, Breast Clin, Goiania, Go - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS; v. 293, n. 4, p. 879-886, APR 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

To achieve a better understanding of issues related to sexual function and quality of life (QOL) of women with cervical cancer before radiotherapy treatment. A pilot study with 80 women with cervical cancer from Jan/2013 to Mar/2014. The outcome variables were sexual function assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and QOL, assessed using the World Health Organization questionnaire. Independent variables were clinical and sociodemographic data. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression. The mean age was 48.1 years, 57.5 % were premenopausal and 55 % had clinical stage IIIB. Thirty percent had been sexually active in the 3 months prior to their interviews. The main adverse events during sexual intercourse were bleeding (41.7 %), lack of pleasure (33.3 %), dyspareunia (25 %), and vaginal dryness (16.7 %). The 18 women who had been sexually active in the previous month showed significant sexual dysfunction (total mean FSFI score = 25.6). Advanced clinical stage, using any chronic medication and not having undergone surgery for cancer were negatively correlated with QOL. Higher family income, a longer duration of schooling and no smoking were positive correlated with QOL. One-third of women with cervical cancer were sexually active 3 months prior to their interviews, but have concomitant significant sexual dysfunction. Factors related to the disease are primarily responsible for the deterioration of sexual function. QOL is influenced not only by factors related to the cancer itself, but also by lifestyle habits, comorbidities, and sociodemographic characteristics. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/09215-7 - Randomized clinical trial, with topical estrogen use, testosterone therapy and vaginal dilator in the prevention of vaginal stenosis in women with cervical carcinoma after radiation therapy
• Grantee: Luiz Francisco Cintra Baccaro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants