Sexual Health and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors

Cancer and its treatment frequently give rise to persistent changes in sexual function and intimacy that extend well beyond the period of active therapy. Survivors of gynaecological, urological and breast malignancies often report pain during intercourse, reduced desire, lubrication difficulties or erectile dysfunction, alongside altered body image and concerns about fertility. Psychological distress, altered hormone levels and partner dynamics further compound these issues, resulting in a multi‐faceted impact on overall well-being. Quality of life in survivorship is therefore intimately linked to sexual health, encompassing physical comfort, emotional satisfaction and social intimacy. A growing consensus supports the routine integration of sexual health assessment and targeted supportive interventions within survivorship care pathways, with timely referrals to specialists in physiotherapy, psychology and sexual medicine.

Holistic management emphasises early discussion of potential sexual side effects, the use of validated assessment tools and patient education to demystify intimate concerns. Interdisciplinary teams are called upon to deliver personalised rehabilitation strategies—from pelvic floor muscle training and dilator guidance to psychosexual counselling—tailored to each survivor’s treatment history and personal goals. Such approaches aim not only to restore physical function but also to foster positive body image, strengthen communication within partnerships and mitigate long-term distress, thereby enhancing global quality of life for people living beyond cancer.

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Sexual Health and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in sexual health and quality of life in cancer survivors across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Sexual dysfunction: A broad term referring to difficulties in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm or pain that cause personal distress.

Quality of life: A multidimensional concept encompassing physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships and personal beliefs.

Pelvic floor muscle therapy: Targeted exercises and biofeedback aimed at strengthening pelvic muscles to improve bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Dilator guidance: A rehabilitation technique using graduated devices to maintain vaginal elasticity and prevent stenosis after pelvic radiotherapy.

Psychosexual counselling: A therapeutic intervention addressing the psychological and relational aspects of sexuality through cognitive and behavioural strategies.

References

1. Efficacy of a nurse-led sexual rehabilitation intervention for women with gynaecological cancers receiving radiotherapy: results of a randomised trial. British Journal of Cancer (2024).
2. Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle and Education-Based Therapies on Bladder, Bowel, Vaginal, Sexual, Psychological Function, Quality of Life, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Females Treated for Gynecological Cancer: A Systematic Review. Current Oncology Reports (2024).
3. Phase 1–3 of the cross‐cultural development of an EORTC questionnaire for the assessment of sexual health in cancer patients: the EORTC SHQ‐22. Cancer Medicine (2018).