Sexual health and wellbeing after pelvic radiotherapy among women with and without a reported history of sexual abuse: important issues in cancer survivorship care

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Åkeflo, Linda
Elmerstig, Eva
Dunberger, Gail
Skokic, Viktor
Arnell, Amanda
Bergmark, Karin
Issue Date
2021-05-18
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Female Cancer Survivor , Sexual Abuse , Pelvic Radiotherapy , Late Effect , Sexual Health , Sexual Dysfunction
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Alternative Title
Abstract
Aims: Sexual abuse is a women’s health concern globally. Although experience of sexual abuse and cancer may constitute risk factors for sexual dysfunction and low wellbeing, the effects of sexual abuse have received little attention in oncology care. This study aims to explore sexual health and wellbeing in women after pelvic radiotherapy and to determine the relationship between sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction, and decreased wellbeing. Methods: Using a study-specific questionnaire, data were collected during 2011–2017 from women with gynaecological, anal, or rectal cancer treated with curative pelvic radiotherapy in a population-based cohort and a referred patient group. Subgroup analyses of data from women with a reported history of sexual abuse were conducted, comparing socio-demographics, diagnosis, aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. Results: In the total sample of 570 women, 11% reported a history of sexual abuse and among these women the most common diagnosis was cervical cancer. More women with than without a history of sexual abuse reported feeling depressed (19.4% vs. 9%, p = 0.007) or anxious (22.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.007) and suffering genital pain during sexual activity (52% vs. 25.1%, p = 0.011, RR 2.07, CI 1.24–3.16). In the total study cohort, genital pain during sexual activity was associated with vaginal shortness (68.5% vs. 31.4% p ≤ 0.001) and inelasticity (66.6% vs. 33.3%, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a history of both sexual abuse and pelvic radiotherapy in women are associated with increased psychological distress and sexual impairment, challenging healthcare professionals to take action to prevent retraumatisation and provide appropriate interventions and support.
Description
Citation
Åkeflo, L., Elmerstig, E., Dunberger, G., Skokic, V., Arnell, A., & Bergmark, K. (2021). Sexual health and wellbeing after pelvic radiotherapy among women with and without a reported history of sexual abuse: important issues in cancer survivorship care. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(11), 6851–6861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06263-0
Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
EISSN