title: Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns: What oncologists and patients should expect from consultation with a specialist.
abstract: Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Sexual concerns are prevalent in women with cancer or cancer history and are a factor in patient decision making about cancer treatment and risk-reduction options. Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns, regardless of the type or site of her cancer, is an essential and early component of a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment plan. Specialized practices are emerging that focus specifically on evaluation and treatment of women with cancer and sexual function problems. As part of a specialized evaluation, oncologists and their patients should expect a thorough physical examination to identify or rule out physical causes of sexual problems or dysfunction. This review provides oncology professionals with a description of the physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual function concerns. This description aims to inform anticipatory guidance for the patient and to assist in interpreting specialists' findings and recommendations. In centers or regions where specialized care is not yet available, this review can also be used by oncology practices to educate and support health care providers interested in expanding their practices to treat women with cancer and sexual function concerns. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:241-263. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
authors.affiliation: Director, Program in Integrative Sexual Medicine for Women and Girls With Cancer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.|Associate Professor, Department of Medicine-Geriatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.|MacLean Center on Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.|Associate Professor, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Stacy Tessler
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lindau
authors.affiliation: Researcher and Project Manager, Program in Integrative Sexual Medicine for Women and Girls With Cancer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Emily M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Abramsohn
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.|Clinical Associate, Program in Integrative Sexual Medicine for Women and Girls With Cancer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Shirley R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Baron
authors.affiliation: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Florendo Physical Therapy, Chicago, IL.|Clinical Associate, Program in Integrative Sexual Medicine for Women and Girls with Cancer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Florendo
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Hope K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Haefner
authors.affiliation: Professor, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Anuja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jhingran
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
authors.forename: Mukta K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Krane
authors.affiliation: Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kushner
authors.affiliation: Assistant Clinical Professor, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McComb
authors.affiliation: Professor, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, WA University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
authors.forename: Diane F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Merritt
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Julie E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Clinical Associate, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Siston
authors.affiliation: Physician's Assistant, Radiation Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Straub
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Streicher
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D058869:Gynecological Examination / Q000379:methods*; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms; D000072103:Oncologists; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015996:Survival Rate
keywords: cancer; female; physical examination; sexual dysfunction; survivorship