title: Cancer, Benign Gynecology, and Sexual Function--Issues and Answers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of cancer have a profound effect on the quality of life and psychological well-being of men and women. Indeed, the perturbation of sexual function because of neoplasm has far-reaching implications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment of sexual issues in persons with cancer and offer evidence-based recommendations regarding optimal prevention and treatment strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  A committee of multidisciplinary specialists was formed as part of the larger International Sexual Medicine Consultation working with urologic and sexual medicine societies over a 1-year period to review the result of chronic-illness management on sexual function and satisfaction. The aims, goals, data collection techniques, and report format were defined by a central committee.
  
  
  METHODS
  Expert consensus was based on evidence-based medical and psychosocial literature review, extensive group discussion, and an open presentation with a substantial discussion period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This summary evaluates contemporary literature concerning the prevalence, pathophysiology, and psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual dysfunction. Evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for evaluation and management are presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnosis and treatment of cancer have a significant negative impact on sexual function and satisfaction. Comprehension of baseline sexual function, role of psychological supports, and available treatment options could attenuate the heavy burden of decreased sexual function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Lahey Hospital, Burlington, MA, USA. Electronic address: nbennettjrmd@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Incrocci
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.affiliation: Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, UK.
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hackett
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El-Zawahry
authors.affiliation: H San Raffaele Resnati, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graziottin
authors.affiliation: Ul. Sokratesa 5 lokal U2, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lukasiewicz
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McVary
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Sanjukai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.affiliation: Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, Newport Beach, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krychman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015996:Survival Rate
keywords: Benign Gynecological Disease; Cancer; Sexual Function