Sexuality of Moroccan Survivors of Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Data

Document Type : Cohort Profile

Authors

Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Mohammed VI, Oujda, Morocco.

Abstract

Introduction: This is a prospective study aiming to describe how cervical cancer and its treatment can affect
the sexuality of a specific population of Moroccan women survivors of this disease. Materiels and Methods: It is a
comparison of clinical features and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) of 3 balanced groups of women, made up
of 100 survivors of cervical cancer, 100 survivors of non-gynecological cancer and a group of 100 healthy women.
Results: 97% of the patients stopped their full sexual activity at the time of treatment; the time interval between treatment
and regular sexual activity was 8 months for the cervical cancer group, and 5.8 months for non-gynecologic cancer (P
=0.001). Vaginal length assessed by pelvic examination during follow up visits was estimated at about 6.2 cm, 9.2 cm
and 9.5 cm respectively for the cervical cancer group, non-gynecologic cancer group and the control group (p=0.04).
On the basis of the FSFI questionnaire, the analysis of the 6 main sexuality parameter scores did attest worse results for
the variables related to sexual function for cervical cancer group, but not in a statistically significant way. Conclusion:
In order to preserve an optimal quality of life after cervical cancer, the sexual dimension is a crucial parameter to take
into consideration throughout treatment phases, especially radiation (by encouraging sexual intercourses, and using
vaginal dilators during the treatment). Moroccan survivors of this disease must be treated according to a multidisciplinary
approach, that includs the psychological component.

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References

 
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2018
Pages 3077-3079

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 November 2017
  • Revise Date: 12 September 2018
  • Accept Date: 18 October 2018

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