Sexual Quality of Life and Needs for Sexology Care of Cancer Patients Admitted for Radiotherapy: A 3-Month Cross-Sectional Study in a Regional Comprehensive Reference Cancer Center

Background: Providing early and better care in onco-sexuality and a better understanding of the sexual health care needs of patients before they start treatment is required. Objective: To assess sexual quality of life and need for sexology care of patients when they are starting radiotherapy. Design: We performed a cross-sectional study of adult patients with cancer admitted for radiotherapy treatment in a regional comprehensive cancer center. Methods: We selected all consecutive adult patients scheduled to start radiotherapy within a 3-month period and excluded patients who could not complete the questionnaires. Patients were asked to complete the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL) and a needs-assessment questionnaire. Outcomes: Total score on the SQoL and willingness (yes or no) to get help for a sexual problem. Results: The study sample was composed of 77 men and 123 women. The average SQoL scores were 68.4 +/- 20.9 and 47.1 +/- 13.0 for men and women, respectively (P<.001). Of sexually active patients, 58% had decreased frequency of intercourse or had completely stopped sexual activity after their cancer diagnosis. Half the participants wanted care for their sexual concerns. The proportion desiring specific types of care varied from 28.5% (couple counseling) to 54.5% (sexual physician) with variation by sex or type of cancer. Furthermore, 11.5% of participants declared their willingness to join support groups. Clinical Implications: Early interventions before radiotherapy could improve sexual quality of life, particularly in women. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths are the SQoL validated in men and women, the original window for assessment, and the study location. Limitations are the monocentric design, the potential recall bias for data before cancer diagnosis, and the fact that some patients had treatments before radiotherapy. Conclusion: Our data suggest the need to examine the sexual health trajectory in a prospective fashion from diagnosis to survivorship.