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Introduction/Background Quality of life women undergoing therapies for breast and gynecological cancers can be decreased in many dimensions. Sexuality is one othe issues, since alterations of body image, symptoms due to chemo-radiotherapy, psychological and emotional problems with partners. It is very difficul for medical and nursing staff to investigate sexual problems and give support. The aim of this study was to explore sexual problems and quality of life (QOL) in a sample of women with breast and gynecological cancer soon after or during treatment. Methodology From February 2018 to March 2019, we enrolled 132 patients, 105 accepted and 27 refused. We administered to patients QOL questionnaires EORTC-QLQ-C30 with the appendix BR23 for breast, CX24 for cervical; OV28 for ovarian cancer, together with FSFI (Female Sex Function test), a validated questionnaire that investigates sexual disfunction. Women were given detailed explanation and reassurance about their privacy. We excluded patients >69 years old. Mean age was of 56.4. Results Breast cancer: 68 women completed the questionnaires 37 (54%) had no or minimal sexual disfunction, in 31(46%) was serious or severe. In the last month 37% had sexual activity and 39% reported it positively. Sexual activity correlated with QOL global score. Cervical cancer: 22 women completed the questionnaires 9(41%) had no or minimal sexual disfunction, in 13(59%) was serious or severe. 78% had sexual activity but 52% reported sexual experience as unsatisfactory. QOL improvement was correlated to improvement in sexual activity, athough not so strictly as in breast cancer. Ovarian cancer: 15 completed the questtionnaires, (33%) had no or minimal sexual disfunction, in 10 (66%) was serious or severe. 55% had sexual activity. QOL was non so strictly correlated to improvement in sexual activity. Conclusion Most women have serious/severe sexual disfunction during therapy although mantainig interest for sex. Ovarian cancer patients had more problems Disclosure Nothing to disclose |
