Sexual function in females after radiotherapy for rectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Knowledge about female sexual problems after pre- or postoperative (chemo-)radiotherapy and radical resection of rectal cancer is limited. The aim of this study was to compare self-rated sexual functioning in women treated with or without radiotherapy (RT+ vs. RT-), at least two years after surgery for rectal cancer.


METHODS
Female patients diagnosed from 1993 to 2003 were identified from a national database, the Norwegian Rectal Cancer Registry. Eligible patients were without recurrence or metastases at the time of the study. The Sexual function and Vaginal Changes Questionnaire (SVQ) was used to measure sexual functioning.


RESULTS
Questionnaires were returned from 172 of 332 invited and eligible women (52%). The mean age was 65 years (range 42-79) and the time since surgery for rectal cancer was 4.5 years (range 2.6-12.4). Sexual interest was not significantly impaired in RT+ (n=62) compared to RT- (n=110) women. RT+ women reported more vaginal problems in terms of vaginal dryness (50% vs. 24%), dyspareunia (35% vs. 11%) and reduced vaginal dimension (35% vs. 6%) compared with RT- patients; however, they did not have significantly more worries about their sex life.


CONCLUSIONS
An increased risk of dyspareunia and vaginal dryness was observed in women following surgery combined with (chemo-)radiotherapy compared with women treated with surgery alone. Further research is required to determine the effect of adjuvant therapy on female sexual function.
Bruheim
Kjersti
K
The Cancer Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway. Cancer Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Ullev å l, 0407 Oslo, Norway. Tel: 47 23026600. Fax: 47 23026601.E-mail:
Tveit
Kjell Magne
KM
Skovlund
Eva
E
Balteskard
Lise
L
Carlsen
Erik
E
Fosså
Sophie D
SD
Guren
Marianne G
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003075:Coitus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014621:Vagina / Q000528:radiation effects*
D005472:Fluorouracil