TITLE:
The Impact of Cervical Cancer Treatment on Sexual Function and Intimate Relationships: Is Anyone Listening?
AUTHORS:
Jennifer L. Hunter
KEYWORDS:
Cervical Cancer Survivorship, Pelvic Radiotherapy, Sexual Dysfunction, Vaginalstenosis, Patient-Provider Communication
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.4 No.8,
June
12,
2014
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this
research was to describe women’s narrative accounts of the impact of cervical
cancer treatment on their sexual function and intimate relationships, and to
evaluate what changes in care and education are needed to enhance quality of
life and intimacy after treatment. The research approach was a narrative
design, using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Narratives were examined
within and across interviews, and thematic content analysis completed. The
study was done in a gynecologic oncology clinic at a public hospital in the
Midwest United States. The sample consisted of twelve women, ranging in age
from 27 to 59, who had completed the cervical cancer treatment with
chemo-radiation or radiation and surgery, and were now followed by their
gynecologic oncologists. Across narratives, five major themes were identified,
including unexpected physical complications, not “getting back to normal,”
emotional pain and isolation, lack of available information, and inadequate
health care provider response to treatment complications and sexual
relationship problems. Women’s stories reveal that sex and intimacy issues for
cervical cancer survivors remain within a culture of silence. In many
situations, health professionals did not provide information that realistically
prepared women and partners for probable consequences of treatment, did not
assess sexual issues before or after treatment, did not recognize various
symptoms as being complications of cancer treatment, did not make referrals,
and/or recognized complications, but accepted them as “normal” and without
solution. Ethical implications for health professionals and the need for
education, communication, and the development of new lines of research are
discussed.