Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2026 Jun 20;36(8):104817. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgc.2026.104817. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gynecologic cancer survivors' preferences regarding the organization of sexual health counseling, with a focus on timing, frequency, responsible healthcare professionals, and preferred counseling content and formats.
METHODS: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online study included cancer survivors aged 18 years or older, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or lower, who had completed treatment for ovarian, endometrial, or cervical neoplasia and were recruited nationwide in Poland. Participants were recruited through online patient forums, social media, and patient advocacy platforms; therefore, the sample was self-selected and may not be representative of all gynecologic cancer survivors. The survey addressed sexual activity status, sexual counseling, and preferences for when and by whom sexual health should be discussed. Sexual activity was defined as any genital stimulation with or without a partner for sexual pleasure. Comparative analyses were conducted between survivors who returned to sexual activity and those who did not.
RESULTS: The final sample comprised 201 survivors. Sexual counseling was reported as having been offered to 15 of 201 respondents (7.4%), and 7 of 201 (3.4%) had visited a sexual medicine specialist. Among respondents who completed the sexual health counseling preference module and post-treatment sexual activity status (n = 156), 42 (26.9%) did not return to sexual activity. Most respondents indicated that sexual health should be addressed at diagnosis and reassessed during follow-up (55.1%, n = 87/156). Overall, 62.3% (n = 98/156) expressed a need to discuss sexual health at every follow-up visit, with a substantial preference for counseling delivered by gynecologic oncologists or gynecologists (63.4%, n = 99/156). Survivors most requested practical guidance on resuming sexual activity and managing treatment-related sexual problems (93.6%, n = 146/156), and most expressed interest in receiving written and/or digital educational materials.
CONCLUSIONS: In this online cohort of gynecologic cancer survivors, sexual health counseling was infrequently reported, while many respondents expressed a preference for structured, repeated discussions from diagnosis through survivorship. Implementation of a structured, patient-centered counseling pathway may improve survivorship care quality and access.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06958068.
PMID:42480165 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijgc.2026.104817