[Sexual dysfunction among oncological patients: The importance of a specialized approach]. / Disfunção sexual nos doentes oncológicos: a importância de uma abordagem especializada.

OBJECTIVES: Determination of the emotional and sexual impact after oncologic disease and patient's satisfaction regarding information provided by healthcare professionals. We also aim to evaluate the importance of sexology care during cancer treatment and follow-up. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including patients admitted for radiation therapy. A questionnaire and an assessment of clinical data were assessed. RESULTS: The study sample was composed by 104 patients. 60.6% had a negative impact on their sexual life after treatment and 62.5% were satisfied about the information given by healthcare professionals. About two thirds of the patients would accept sexology care during cancer treatment and/or follow-up. After a sub-group analysis, there were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction or needs for sexual care. DISCUSSION: There is a well-known impact of cancer on sexuality since its diagnosis. Our patients feel themselves well informed about this by health professionals. Most of them would accept being referred to an oncosexology appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Sexuality must be discussed with cancer patients since their diagnosis. Oncosexuality care is necessary and desired by most patients as a mean for reduction of the cancer impact in their life quality.