Do radiation oncologists talk about sexual health and dysfunction with their cancer patients? Results of the igls-vienna-sexmed-survey

Abstract

Background and purpose: The aim of this survey was to invite radiation oncologists to self-assess whether sexual health care and sexual dysfunction are an issue in daily routine. Materials and Methods: At the annual congress of the Austrian Society of Radiation Oncology in 2017 doctors were asked about their care for sexual health in cancer patients by using questionnaires. No exclusion criteria were employed. Forty-one questionnaires were answered and statistically analysed so 44.5% of doctors participated. Results: Only 4.9% of the participants self-assessed to routinely explore sexual health issues in 61–80% of their patients. Thirty-one point seven percent of the doctors suspected sexual problems in about half of their patients but did not raise the issue. The most common reason for not raising sexual issues by the patients was assumed by the doctors “other problems are more important” (73.2%), followed by “lack of time” (36.6%). Participants were also asked about additional medical qualifications: none of the physicians had training in sexual medicine. Conclusion: The main reason for not talking about sexual problems was the impression of the participating doctors that other problems were more important for the patients. Another reason for not bringing up the topic of sexual issues by the patients was assumed by the doctors: lack of time. As doctor shortage is a problem in the observed country other kind of networks and counselling possibilities should be evaluated. An interesting finding was that survey participants show a higher awareness for male sexual problems than for female issues. Keywords: Sexual medicine, Sexual health, Long term side effects, Radiation Oncology