CN76 - A study of sexual dysfunction in Moroccan female survivors of gynaecological cancer: A prospective study about 220 patients

Background

Gynecological cancers and their treatments can significantly impact various aspects of sexual health, including physical function, emotional well-being, and intimate relationships. Survivors often confront including changing body image, sexual function, desire and intimacy. There is growing awareness of the importance of sexual health in the quality of life of gynecological cancer survivors This study is designed to assess various aspects of sexual function, including desire, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain, as well as the impact on quality of life.

Methods

This prospective study has included patients who have completed treatment for gynecological cancer in the last 6 months to 1 year from January 2023 to January 2024 in the radiotherapy department of the Institut National of Oncology Rabat. Patients answered the following questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and EORTC QLQ-CX24 scales.

Results

In our study, 220 patients were included, 115 treated for breast cancer, 70 for cervical cancer and 35 for endometrial cancer. Age ranged from 28 to 55 years, with a median age of 45. After treatment, the frequency of sexual activity decreased in 86% of subjects. On the other hand, the patients had a satisfying quality of life in 68,18%. Out of 220 patients evaluated in this study, 103 (46,81%) were sexually active, and 117 patients (53,18%) denied having sexual relations. Among sexually inactive patients, 32 patients (27,35%) accused pain, 42 patients (35,89%) have no sexual desire, and 43 (36,75%) mentioned that they did not have a sexual partner. Of the 103 sexually active patients, 22 (21,35%) had sexual dysfunction, and 81 (78,64%) have no sexual problems. Sexual dysfunction was more common in younger patients (65.8% under 40), in patients treated with brachytherapy (70%), in those who had a total mastectomy (67.56%) and in families with low socio-economic status (53.6%).

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction among gynecological cancer survivors is a complex problem that requires early detection, followed by appropriate patient education to improve quality of life in this population.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.