Supportive care needs after gynecologic cancer: where does sexual health fit in?
METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Follow-up clinic of a gynecologic oncology program in a regional cancer center.


METHODS
113 women treated for gynecologic cancer.


METHODS
Data were collected using standardized instruments and analyzed through descriptive and correlation statistics.


METHODS
Supportive care needs, sexual health needs, vaginal changes, desire for help, and socio-demographic and medical factors.


RESULTS
Forty percent of the sample was worried about the status of their sex life and many wished to meet one-on-one with a health professional or to receive written information. Younger age, premenopausal status at diagnosis, and lower sexual satisfaction and more vaginal changes after treatment were associated with greater sexual health needs and desire for help.


CONCLUSIONS
Several sexual health needs were among the highest reported supportive care needs. Certain subgroups may report higher needs and desire for help; this domain merits additional research. Needs were extremely diverse, reflecting the use of an individual approach to screening for and meeting survivor needs.


CONCLUSIONS
Personal perceptions of the implications and meaning of sexual health and vaginal changes create the subjective experience of a need. Discussions of the women's perceptions of their needs and their views of healthy sexuality will help develop effective treatment plans.
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Megan
M
McCallum
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital.
Lynne
L
Jolicoeur
Clinical and Health Psychologist, The Ottawa Hospital.
Monique
M
Lefebvre
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa.
Lyzon K
LK
Babchishin
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa.
Stéphanie
S
Robert-Chauret
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital.
Tien
T
Le
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa.
Sophie
S
Lebel
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
gynecologic malignancies; menopausal symptoms; quality of life; sexuality and fertility; survivorship