1677P - Sexual health among men receiving chemotherapy: A double burden or a haven?

Background

Chemotherapy (CT) often triggers physical and emotional changes impacting patients' lives, including their sexuality. Addressing sexual health (SH) issues is crucial for comprehensive cancer care. The aim of our study was to identify SH and intimacy issues in the Tunisian context among men undergoing CT.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire-based study, conducted between March and May 2024 including 80 male cancer patients undergoing CT. Urological cancer patients were excluded. SH was evaluated by the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Sexual Health (QLQ SH-22), which includes assessments of sexual satisfaction, sexual pain, sexual activity, treatment and partner-related issues. A higher score represents a higher level of symptomatology.

Results

Median age was 59.5 years [32-73]. Sixty-six patients (83%) were married and 79% were sexually active before the diagnosis. Colon cancer was the most common primary cancer (44%), followed by lung (20%) and pancreas (14%). Tumors were non metastatic in 55% of cases. The importance of communication about SH between doctors and patients was highlighted by 69% of respondents especially in those under 50 years old (95%). However, 59% considered it insufficient during checkups. The most commonly reported reason, cited by over half of patients (53%), was a lack of initiative on the part of physicians. Fifty-four patients (68%) expressed the importance of maintaining sexual activity. Yet only 33 (41%) remained sexually active during CT. Decreased libido was reported by 49 (61%) patients. Fifty-eight (73%) patients perceived a negative impact of CT on their SH. Forty-seven patients (59%) expressed dissatisfaction with communication about SH with their partners. The median sexual satisfaction score was 36 [3-60], with no correlation observed with socioeconomic status (p=0.89), educational level (p=0.09) or site of cancer (p=0.12). It was significantly higher among unmarried patients (OR=5.42, p=0.027) and in those with metastatic disease (OR=3.26, p=0.012).

Conclusions

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer significantly affect SH. Thus, providing sexual counseling to patients, especially in Arab countries where cancer and sexuality remain taboo, is essential to effectively meet their needs.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.