Long term sexual function following rectal cancer treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Rectal cancer treatment can lead to sexual dysfunction.

Methods: We designed a retrospective survey-based study to quantify rates of sexual dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors. Patients that underwent surgery for rectal cancer between 2005 and 2016 at our institution were identified, and the following were distributed: Quality of Life measure for oncology (QoL-30), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

Results: Survey response rate was 21%, 17 females and 30 males (n = 47). 50% of males recalled a physician asking about sexual function during or after treatments, compared to 18% of females (p = 0.034). More than 50% of those surveyed wished one of their physicians had discussed the possibility of sexual dysfunction. In men, the QoL-30 significantly correlated with IIEF orgasmic function (r = 0.50, p = 0.004) and IIEF overall satisfaction (r = 0.60, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that rectal cancer patients experience posttreatment sexual dysfunction, desire discussion with their physicians on this topic, and that there are gender differences in how providers approach counseling regarding posttreatment sexual dysfunction.

Keywords: Cancer survivorship; Female sexual dysfunction; Rectal cancer; Sexual dysfunction.