QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER

MENOPAUSIA Y FUNCIÓN SEXUAL

Authors

  • Nathalia Moreira ramalho Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira
  • Cintia Cardoso Pinheiro Federal University of Amazonas
  • Carmen Lúcia de Paula National Cancer Institute
  • Vandré Cabral Gomes Carneiro Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira
  • Jurema Telles de Oliveira Lima Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35919/rbsh.v30i1.67

Keywords:

Female genital neoplasms., Menopause, Sexuality

Abstract

Many women with gynecological malignancies will be cured or become long-term survivors. Different treatments (surgery, radiationtherapy, chemotherapy) for gynecological cancers can cause ovarian failure or increase in menopausal symptoms in addition to short-term and long-term negative effects on sexual health and quality of life (QoL). Management of menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction is important in efforts to optimize QoL in these women. The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive view of the sexual health of gynecological cancer survivors and to discuss evidence-based treatment options. Method:This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach to verify the hormone therapy’s benefit and safety in these patients as well as the common sexual health problems and the options for their management. Results: Available data suggest that the use of hormonal therapy in patients with gynecological cancers does not have a negative impact on the oncological result andresults inan improvement in the vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause. Evidence regarding the safety of hormone therapy in women with estrogendependent neoplasias is rare. Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among survivors of gynecological cancer as a result of their treatment, negatively impacting on QoL. Many patients expect health professionals to start a discussion about sexuality, but most have never discussed sexual health issues with their doctors. Conclusions: Oncology professionals may have a significant impact on the QOL of gynecological cancer survivors by addressing menopausal symptoms and sexual health concerns. Candidates for hormone therapy in gynecological oncology include women with induced menopause or menopausal symptoms diagnosed with low-grade, early-stage endometrial cancer and cancers of the uterine cervix, vulva, vagina and ovary. Simple strategies can be implemented in clinical practice to address sexual issues. Referral to specialized sexual health providers may be necessary in the setting of more complex problems.

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Author Biographies

Nathalia Moreira ramalho, Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira

Gynecologist at the Instituto de Medinina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP).

Specialist in Endocrine Gynecology, Menopause and Contraception by the Santa Casa de Misericórdia of São Paulo.

Preceptor of medical graduation and medical gynecology and obstetrics residency by IMIP.

Physician responsible for the gynecological care of oncology patients of the Núcleo em Atendimento Integral em Oncologia NATI-ONCO IMIP.

Cintia Cardoso Pinheiro, Federal University of Amazonas

Medical residency in Gynecology and obstetrics at Leonor Mendes Barros Maternity Hospital.

Medical residency in Mastology at the University of São Paulo (USP).

Specialist in human sexuality by USP.

Professor of Gynecology at Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM).

Master student in surgery by the Pos Graduate Program in Surgery - UFAM.

Carmen Lúcia de Paula, National Cancer Institute

Nurse at the Sexuality and Oncoginecology Outpatient Clinic of the National Cancer Institute (INCA) / Hospital do Câncer II. Coordinator of the Oncoginecology module of INCA's multiprofessional residency program. Lecturer in the postgraduate program in oncology nursing, Faculty of Nursing, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). Master in nursing by UERJ

Vandré Cabral Gomes Carneiro, Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira

Surgeon oncologist.

Coordinator of the Gynecological Cancer Service of the Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco.

Coordinator of the Hereditary Cancer Service of the Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira and Health Secretary of  Pernambuco State.

PhD in oncology from the A. C. Camargo Cancer Center.

Jurema Telles de Oliveira Lima, Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira

Clinical oncologist.

Coordinator of the clinical oncology service of the Institute of Integral Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP).

PhD in oncology by the National Institute of Cancer / IMIP.

Published

2019-06-30

How to Cite

Moreira ramalho, N., Cardoso Pinheiro, C. ., de Paula, C. L. ., Cabral Gomes Carneiro, V., & Telles de Oliveira Lima, J. (2019). QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER: MENOPAUSIA Y FUNCIÓN SEXUAL. Revista Brasileira De Sexualidade Humana, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.35919/rbsh.v30i1.67

Issue

Section

Opinativos e de Revisão