title: Demographics, cancer-related factors, and sexual function in rectal cancer patients in Taiwan: preliminary findings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sexual function has been ignored because survival issues associated with cancer treatment commonly take precedence over sexual issues. Sexual dysfunction remains a recognized complication after cancer treatment despite improvement in survival rates for patients with rectal cancer.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the relationships among demographics (ie, age, gender, education, religion) and cancer-related factors (ie, stage of disease, type of treatment, time since operation, comorbid conditions) and sexual function in patients with rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 120 rectal cancer patients from a medical center in southern Taiwan completed the International Index of Erectile Function, Female Sexual Function Index, a demographic questionnaire, and medical data during face-to-face interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both men and women, better sexual function was significantly associated with younger age but not with religion, time since operation, or number of chronic conditions. In men only, better sexual function was associated with earlier stage of cancer, fewer cancer treatments, and higher education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual function may receive greater attention in Taiwan when rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care. A larger diverse sample is needed for further examination of sexual function over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health promotion programs for long-term survivors should include a consistent assessment of sexual function before and after an operation, and patients should receive clinical sexual counseling.
authors: Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4904, USA. txa15@case.edu
authors: Tsay-Yi
authors: TY
authors: Au
authors: Jaclene A
authors: JA
authors: Zauszniewski
authors: Tai-Ming
authors: TM
authors: King
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D004522:Educational Status; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012067:Religion; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013624:Taiwan; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome