Sexual Function, Quality of Life, and Experiences of Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction: Ovarian cancer impacts approximately 1 in 75 women. Sexual health is receiving increasing attention as a critical aspect of gynecologic cancer treatment and a component of quality of life. Therefore, investigating how women with ovarian cancer experience and express sexuality is an important area of inquiry. Aims: To evaluate how women with ovarian cancer experience and express sexuality, a major determinant of quality of life, in the context of their illness. Methods: In a mixed-methods approach, 6 validated self-report questionnaires (n = 64) and an in-depth focus group (n = 3) were used to gather data. Results: The quantitative phase of the study showed that women with ovarian cancer have a poorer quality of life and higher rates of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress compared with published norms from the general population. They also have lower levels of relationship satisfaction and increased rates of depression. The qualitative phase of the study revealed 6 themes: (i) changes to relationship satisfaction; (ii) sexual difficulties; (iii) challenges with body image; (iv) gaps in communication with healthcare providers; (v) feelings of guilt, grief, resentment, anxiety, and fear; and (vi) strategies used for coping. Conclusions: Ovarian cancer impacts women's lives beyond mere survival, including their sexual function and quality of life. Healthcare providers are urged to prepare women with ovarian cancer for these challenges and offer information and resources to help improve their quality of life and sexuality. Copyright (C) 2019, The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.