Effectiveness trial of an online self-help intervention for sexual problems after cancer.

Sexual dysfunction affects over 60% of cancer survivors. Internet interventions have improved sexual function, but with considerable clinician guidance, restricting scalability. This pragmatic trial evaluated an online, self-help intervention. As with many unguided digital interventions, attrition was high. Given low numbers in other groups, this paper focuses on 30% of female patient participants who completed 3-month questionnaires and visited the intervention site (N = 60). Benefits included increased sexually active individuals at follow-up (p < 0.001, Effect size = 0.54), improved sexual function (p < 0.001, Effect size = -0.76, N = 41), and increased use of sexual aids (p = 0.01, Effect size=-0.14, N = 58). The intervention has been revised to improve patient engagement.

Evaluating a couple-based intervention addressing sexual concerns for breast cancer survivors: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual concerns are distressing for breast cancer survivors and interfere with their intimate relationships. This study evaluates the efficacy of a four-session couple-based intervention delivered via telephone, called Intimacy Enhancement (IE). The IE intervention is grounded in social cognitive theory and integrates evidence-based techniques from cognitive behavioral couple therapy and sex therapy to address survivors' sexual concerns and enhance their and their partners' sexual, relationship, and psychological outcomes. METHODS: This trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of the IE intervention in improving survivors' sexual function, the primary study outcome. Secondary outcomes include survivors' sexual distress, partners' sexual function, and survivors' and partners' relationship intimacy and quality as well as psychological distress (depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms). Additional aims are to examine whether treatment effects on patient sexual function are mediated by sexual communication and self-efficacy for coping with sexual concerns and to explore whether survivor age and race/ethnicity moderate intervention effects on survivors' sexual function. Eligible adult female breast cancer survivors reporting sexual concerns and their intimate partners are recruited from two academic sites in the USA and are randomized to either the IE intervention or to a control condition of equal length offering education and support around breast cancer-related health topics (Living Healthy Together). The target sample size is 120 couples. Self-report outcome measures are administered to participants in both conditions at baseline (T1), post-treatment (T2), 3 months post-treatment (T3), and 6 months post-treatment (T4). DISCUSSION: Evidence-based interventions are needed to address sexual concerns for breast cancer survivors and to enhance their and their intimate partners' sexual, relationship, and psychological well-being. This randomized controlled trial will allow us to examine the efficacy of a novel couple-based intervention delivered via telephone for breast cancer survivors experiencing sexual concerns and their intimate partners, in comparison with an attention control. Findings of this study could influence clinical care for women with breast cancer and inform theory guiding cancer-related sexual rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03930797. Registered on 24 April 2019.

Patient factors associated with sperm cryopreservation among at-risk adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although survivors of adolescent-onset cancers are at risk of infertility, the majority desire children. Fertility preservation options are available for adolescents, but sperm banking remains underused. To the authors' knowledge, patient factors that influence decisions to bank sperm are poorly understood. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 146 adolescent males who were newly diagnosed with cancer and who completed surveys within 1 week of treatment initiation was performed. Participants, 65% of whom were white, were aged 13 to 21 years (mean, 16.49 years; standard deviation, 2.02 years) and were at risk of infertility secondary to impending gonadotoxic treatment. Participating institutions included 8 leading pediatric oncology centers across the United States and Canada. RESULTS: Of the patients approached, approximately 80.6% participated. Parent recommendation to bank (odds ratio [OR], 4.88; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.15-20.71 [P = .03]), higher Tanner stage (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.60-11.27 [P < .01]), greater perceived benefits (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12-1.77 [P < .01]), and lower social barriers to banking (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.96 [P < .01]) were found to be associated with adolescent collection attempts, whereas meeting with a fertility specialist (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.00-11.83 [P = .05]), parent (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.12-8.10 [P = .03]) or provider (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.05-6.77 [P = .04]) recommendation to bank, and greater adolescent self-efficacy to bank (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33 [P = .03]) were found to be associated with successful sperm banking. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents' perceived benefits of sperm banking, higher Tanner stage, and parent recommendation were associated with collection attempts, whereas perceived social barriers decreased this likelihood. Successful banking was associated with greater adolescent self-efficacy, parent and provider recommendation to bank, and consultation with a fertility specialist. Providers should consult with both adolescents and parents regarding fertility preservation, and interventions should be tailored to address barriers to sperm banking while promoting its benefits.

Parental influences on sperm banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of parental sociodemographic, communication, and psychological factors on sperm collection attempts among at-risk adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer. DESIGN: Prospective, single group, observational study design. SETTING: Pediatric oncology centers. PATIENT(S): Parents (N = 144) of 122 newly diagnosed adolescent males at increased risk for infertility secondary to cancer therapy. INTERVENTION(S): Survey-based assessment of parent factors associated with adolescent collection attempts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Attempt of manual collection of sperm. RESULT(S): Parental recommendation to bank sperm (odds ratio [OR] 3.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-11.76) and perceived self-efficacy to facilitate banking (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.02-1.41) were associated with an increased likelihood of making a collection attempt. CONCLUSION(S): Parental recommendation to bank is a critical influence for sperm banking among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer. These findings highlight the importance of effective communication between parents, patients, and health-care teams when discussing preservation options. Parent perceptions of their ability to facilitate sperm banking at the time of diagnosis should also be targeted in future interventions. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01152268.

Prevalence and Predictors of Sperm Banking in Adolescents Newly Diagnosed With Cancer: Examination of Adolescent, Parent, and Provider Factors Influencing Fertility Preservation Outcomes.

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of sperm banking among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer and to identify factors associated with banking outcomes. Patients and Methods A prospective, single-group, observational study design was used to test the contribution of sociodemographic, medical, psychological/health belief, communication, and developmental factors to fertility preservation outcomes. At-risk adolescent males (N = 146; age 13.00 to 21.99 years; Tanner stage ≥ 3), their parents, and medical providers from eight leading pediatric oncology centers across the United States and Canada completed self-report questionnaires within 1 week of treatment initiation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for specified banking outcomes (collection attempt v no attempt and successful completion of banking v no banking). Results Among adolescents (mean age, 16.49 years; standard deviation, 2.02 years), 53.4% (78 of 146) made a collection attempt, with 43.8% (64 of 146) successfully banking sperm (82.1% of attempters). The overall attempt model revealed adolescent consultation with a fertility specialist (OR, 29.96; 95% CI, 2.48 to 361.41; P = .007), parent recommendation to bank (OR, 12.30; 95% CI, 2.01 to 75.94; P = .007), and higher Tanner stage (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 1.75 to 16.78; P = .003) were associated with an increased likelihood of a collection attempt. Adolescent history of masturbation (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.25 to 28.50; P = .025), banking self-efficacy (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.45; P = .012), and parent (OR, 4.62; 95% CI, 1.46 to 14.73; P = .010) or medical team (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.45 to 12.43; P = .008) recommendation to bank were associated with increased likelihood of sperm banking completion. Conclusion Although findings suggest that banking is underutilized, modifiable adolescent, parent, and provider factors associated with banking outcomes were identified and should be targeted in future intervention efforts.

A pilot randomized trial to prevent sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors starting adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy.

PURPOSE: A randomized pilot trial evaluated the hypothesis that early intervention lessens sexual dysfunction in the first year on aromatase inhibitors. A secondary aim was comparing the efficacy of two vaginal moisturizers. METHODS: Fifty-seven postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer starting aromatase inhibitors were randomized to three treatment groups. All received a handout on managing sexual and other side effects. The Usual Care group received no additional therapy. The Active Treatment groups received a 6-month supply of a vaginal moisturizer (hyaluronic acid-based in Active Group-H and prebiotic in Active Group-P) and a vaginal lubricant and dilator, plus access to an educational website and phone coaching. Questionnaires completed at baseline, 6, and 12 months included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire (MSIQ), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and a menopausal symptom scale. RESULTS: Forty-nine women (86%) provided follow-up data. Mean age was 59 and 77% were non-Hispanic Caucasian. Sexual function was impaired at baseline, but remained stable over 12 months for all groups. The combined active treatment group had less dyspareunia (P = 0.07) and sexual distress (P = 0.02) at 6 months than the Usual Care group. At 6 months, the Active-H group improved significantly more than the Active-P group on FSFI total score (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual counseling helped women maintain stable sexual function on aromatase inhibitors. Active intervention resulted in better outcomes at 6 months. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This promising pilot trial suggests a need for more research on preventive counseling to maintain sexual function during aromatase inhibitor treatment.

Provider Influences on Sperm Banking Outcomes Among Adolescent Males Newly Diagnosed With Cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine provider communication and sociodemographic factors which associate with sperm banking outcomes in at-risk adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: A prospective single-group quasi-experimental study design was used to test the contributions of provider factors on sperm banking outcomes. Medical providers (N = 52, 86.5% oncologists) and 99 of their at-risk adolescent patients from eight leading pediatric oncology centers in North America completed questionnaires querying provider factors and patient sperm banking outcomes. Logistic regression with single covariates was used to test each provider factor as a potential correlate of the two binary sperm banking study outcomes (collection attempt/no attempt and successful sperm bank/no bank). Multicovariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for specified banking outcomes. RESULTS: Fertility referral (OR, 9.01; 95% CI, 2.54-31.90; p < .001) and provider comfort/skills in negotiating barriers to sperm banking with families (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.03-3.63; p < .04) were associated with collection attempts. Adolescents who were referred for a specialized fertility consultation were also almost five times more likely to successfully bank (OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.54-16.00; p < .01) compared to those who were not. CONCLUSIONS: Provider training in communicating/managing adolescents and their families about sperm banking, and increasing utilization of fertility preservation referrals, should increase the proportion of at-risk males preserving fertility before treatment initiation.

Associations of Body Mass Index and Physical Activity With Sexual Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Sexual dysfunction is a common and distressing consequence of breast cancer (BC) treatment. In the present study, we investigated the sexual functioning of BC patients and its association with women's personal characteristics and cancer treatments. In this cross-sectional study, sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and its breast module BR-23. Of the 235 participants approached, 216 participants were included in the study. Of these, 63 patients reported no sexual activity in the last month and thus were analyzed only in relation to the sexual desire domain of FSFI. A total of 154 (71.3 %) patients were classified with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). From those patients reporting sexual activity in the last month, 63.3 % (97 out of 153) were classified with sexual dysfunction. Using hierarchical logistic regression, the variance explained (change in R 2) by the addition of body mass index (BMI) and mild to moderate physical activity in the prediction models of sexual dysfunction and HSDD were 6.8 and 7.2 %, respectively. Age, BMI, and physical activity were independently associated with sexual dysfunction and HSDD. Additionally, BC patients with sexual dysfunction reported lower scores on global HRQOL, role functioning, and fatigue. Based on our findings, BC survivors should be encouraged to practice regular physical activity and to lose weight in order to avoid sexual dysfunction. However, future clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Sexual healing in patients with prostate cancer on hormone therapy.

Since prostate cancer becomes more common with age, at least one-third of men have sexual problems at diagnosis. All localized treatments for prostate cancer greatly increase the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, which include loss of desire, erectile dysfunction, and changes in orgasm. Even men on active surveillance have a higher rate of problems than matched peers without prostate cancer. However, men given androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have the worst rates of sexual dysfunction. Even after 3 to 4 months of ADT, men's desire for sex is decreased and irreversible damage may occur to the erectile tissue in the penis. Erections do not recover in about one-half of men, even if ADT is discontinued. Although intermittent ADT allows some recovery of sexual function, serum testosterone requires 9 to 12 months off ADT to recover. Again, one-half of men have permanent erectile dysfunction. If ADT causes atrophy of the erectile tissue, blood leaks out of the venous system during erection. This syndrome is difficult to treat except with surgery to implant a penile prosthesis. Despite the high rate of sexual problems in men on ADT, a small group stays sexually active and is able to have reliable erections. To improve men's sexual satisfaction on ADT, it may be important to educate them about getting extra mental and physical sexual stimulation, as well as using penile rehabilitation during hormone therapy. Information on reaching orgasm and coping with problems such as dry orgasm, pain with orgasm, and urinary incontinence during sex also should be provided.

Fertility as a priority among at-risk adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer and their parents.

PURPOSE: Infertility is a frequent consequence of cancer therapy and is often associated with psychological distress. Although adult survivors prioritize fertility and parenthood, this issue remains unexplored among adolescent males. This study examined future fertility as a priority (relative to other life goals) at time of diagnosis for at-risk adolescents and their parents. METHODS: Newly diagnosed adolescent males (n = 96; age = 13.0-21.9 years) at increased risk for infertility secondary to cancer treatment prioritized eight life goals: to have school/work success, children, friends, wealth, health, a nice home, faith, and a romantic relationship. Patients' parents (fathers, n = 30; mothers, n = 61) rank-ordered the same priorities for their children. RESULTS: "Having children" was ranked as a "top 3" life goal among 43.8 % of adolescents, 36.7 % of fathers, and 21.3 % of mothers. Fertility ranked third among adolescents, fourth among fathers, and fifth among mothers. Future health was ranked the top priority across groups, distinct from all other goals (ps < 0.001), and fertility ranked higher than home ownership and wealth for all groups (ps < 0.001). For adolescents, low/moderate fertility risk perception was associated with higher fertility rankings than no/high risk perceptions (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Good health is the most important life goal among adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer and their parents. In this relatively small sample, adolescents prioritized fertility as a top goal, parents also rated fertility as being more important than home ownership and financial wealth. Health care providers should communicate fertility risk and preservation options at diagnosis and facilitate timely discussion among families, who may differ in prioritization of future fertility.

Sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction has only recently been recognized as a highly prevalent side effect of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer. AIMS: A cross-sectional survey using standardized measures of female sexual function was designed to provide a detailed view of sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant AI therapy and secondarily to examine whether sexual dysfunction leads to nonadherence to this therapy. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to all 296 women in a breast oncology registry who had been prescribed a first-time AI for localized breast cancer 18-24 months previously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Items assessed medication adherence, demographic, and medical information. Scales included the Female Sexual Function Index, the Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Eight Symptom Scale to assess menopausal symptoms, and the Merck Adherence Estimator(®) . RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 129 of 296 eligible women (43.6%). Respondents were 81% non-Hispanic white with a mean age of 63 and 48% had at least a college degree. Only 15.5% were nonadherent. Ninety-three percent of women scored as dysfunctional on the Female Sexual Function Index, and 75% of dysfunctional women were distressed about sexual problems. Although only 52% of women were sexually active when starting their AI, 79% of this group developed a new sexual problem. Fifty-two percent took action to resolve it, including 24% who stopped partner sex, 13% who changed hormone therapies, and 6% who began a vaginal estrogen. Scores on the Adherence Estimator (beliefs about efficacy, value, and cost of medication) were significantly associated with adherence (P = 0.0301) but sexual function was not. CONCLUSIONS: The great majority of women taking AIs have sexual dysfunction that is distressing and difficult to resolve. Most continue their AI therapy, but a large minority cease sexual activity.

Perceptions of barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among low-income, HIV-infected women from an integrated HIV clinic.

Significantly elevated rates of cervical cancer and low rates of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening have been documented among HIV-infected women. However, little is known about women's perceptions of cervical cancer screening utilization. Hence, this study describes barriers and facilitators related to cervical cancer screening in a sample of HIV-infected women seeking care at an integrated HIV clinic in Houston, Texas. Using an inductive qualitative methodological approach, data were obtained from five focus group discussions with a total of 33, HIV-infected women. The majority of the study sample consisted of women who self-identified as Black (69.7%), and reported heterosexual contact as the mode of HIV acquisition (75.8%). Barriers to cervical cancer screening were described as pain and discomfort associated with receiving Pap smears and subsequent procedures; lack of awareness of cervical cancer as a preventable disease; limited transportation access; and systemic issues as it relates to scheduling gynecological appointments. Facilitators were described as awareness of HIV-infected women's increased risk of cervical cancer and strong provider-patient relationships. To address disparities in cervical cancer screening among low-income HIV-infected women, programs should capitalize on the identified facilitators and alleviate modifiable barriers using multilevel strategies.

Effect of age and race on quality of life in young breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Given their early age at diagnosis, young breast cancer survivors (YBCSs) face issues that differ widely from their older counterparts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We mailed a survey to 2209 patients who were ≤ 45 years at the time of breast cancer (BC) diagnosis. Each survey was composed of the Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors instrument, Menopause Symptom Scale, and questions aimed at obtaining pertinent background information. RESULTS: One thousand ninety patients completed the survey. Mean age at time of diagnosis was 39.5 years; median years from diagnosis was 6.6 years. Distress related to vaginal dryness (P = .0002) and pain from intercourse (P = .0014) was significantly higher in patients who were < 5 years from diagnosis compared with those > 10 years from diagnosis. In the area of financial problems, black women had greater distress than did white women (P = .0010). Compared with white women, Hispanic women had worse family distress scores (P = .0028) and summary cancer-specific scores (P = .0076). Patients > 10 years from diagnosis had less sexual interest (P = .003) than did women who were closer to diagnosis. Women ≥ 40 years at diagnosis had significantly lower sexual interest (P = .0016) than did women < 40 years. Stage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not have a significant effect on quality of life (QOL). CONCLUSION: Even in comparison to stage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, race, age at diagnosis, and time from diagnosis have significant long-term effects on QOL after treatment for BC.

Comparison of attitudes regarding preimplantation genetic diagnosis among patients with hereditary cancer syndromes.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows couples to avoid having a child with an inherited condition, potentially reducing cancer burden in families with a hereditary cancer predisposition. This study investigated and compared awareness and acceptance of PGD among patients with different hereditary cancer syndromes. Questionnaires were mailed to 984 adults with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 or 2. Associations between clinical, demographic, and psychosocial factors and awareness and acceptance of PGD were examined. Of 370 respondents (38 % return rate), 28 % felt their syndrome impacted family planning, 24 % were aware of PGD, 72 % felt that PGD should be offered, 43 % would consider using PGD, and 29 % were uncertain. Family experience and syndrome-specific characteristics, such as disease severity, quality of life and availability of medical interventions as well as gender, family planning stage, and religiosity impact perceptions of the acceptability of PGD, though a high level of uncertainty exists. Hereditary cancer patients lack awareness of PGD despite feeling that PGD should be offered, highlighting the need for education on this topic. While we found attitudes about the acceptability of PGD to be generally similar to those reported in the literature and of genetics and ethics experts, we observed similarities and differences between syndromes that provide insight into why some hereditary cancer patients may find PGD more acceptable than others.

Sexual dysfunction and infertility as late effects of cancer treatment.

Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of cancer treatment, affecting at least half of men and women treated for pelvic malignancies and over a quarter of people with other types of cancer. Problems are usually linked to damage to nerves, blood vessels, and hormones that underlie normal sexual function. Sexual dysfunction also may be associated with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, and loss of self-esteem. Innovations in cancer treatment such as robotic surgery or more targeted radiation therapy have not had the anticipated result of reducing sexual dysfunction. Some new and effective cancer treatments, including aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer or chemoradiation for anal cancer also have very severe sexual morbidity. Cancer-related infertility is an issue for younger patients, who comprise a much smaller percentage of total cancer survivors. However, the long-term emotional impact of being unable to have a child after cancer can be extremely distressing. Advances in knowledge about how cancer treatments may damage fertility, as well as newer techniques to preserve fertility, offer hope to patients who have not completed their childbearing at cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, surveys in industrialised nations confirm that many cancer patients are still not informed about potential changes to their sexual function or fertility, and all modalities of fertility preservation remain underutilised. After cancer treatment, many patients continue to have unmet needs for information about restoring sexual function or becoming a parent. Although more research is needed on optimal clinical practice, current studies suggest a multidisciplinary approach, including both medical and psychosocial treatment options.