6533b7d7fe1ef96bd1268622

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Sexual function, sexual activity, and quality of life in women with ovarian and endometrial cancer.

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5051 Background: Gynecological cancer (GC) is generally assumed to have an impact on sexual function and activity. Although there are several studies addressing the issue, case control studies are currently limited. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional investigation of sexual function and activity utilizing the sexual activity questionnaire, the female sexual function index, and parts of the EORTC QLQ C30. Patients with gynecological cancer (GC) like ovarian and endometrial cancer were compared with a control group (C) of non-cancer patients. Inclusion of GC was only allowed if treatment was completed ≥12 months previously and patients were disease-free. Results: The questionnaires were sent out to 727 women (335 x GC and 392 x C), 22.8% of which responded. Response rates in both groups were equivalent (79 pts with GC [23.6%] and 87 control subjects [22.2%]). Median age was 57 years (C) and 62 years (GC), respectively (p=0.237). 51.5% (C) and 59.5% (GC) were not sexually active, mainly owing to lack of a partner (37%) or lack of interest (21%) in controls and lack of interest (40%, p<0.05), self-reported physical problems (31.9%, p<0.05), and physical problems of the partner (21%, p<0.05). There were significant differences between both groups in the SAQ discomfort score (p<0.05). We did not observe significant differences in quality of life or other scores regarding sexuality. Conclusions: About half of the women in both groups were not sexually active. However, reasons for non-activity differ. Quality of sexuality tends to be impaired in GC patients, but this seems not to influence quality of life. A shift of priority caused by substantial anxiety regarding cancer specific survival might explain our findings.