Pradier J, Togan S, Combe C, Buiret G
Service ORL Et Chirurgie Cervicofaciale, Centre Hospitalier de Valence, 179 Boulevard du Maréchal Juin, 26953, Valence, France.
Unité Transversale d'éducation Thérapeutique Drôme Ardèche, Centre Hospitalier de Valence, 179 Boulevard du Maréchal Juin, 26953, Valence, France.
Support Care Cancer. 2025 Apr 17;33(5):392. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09450-5.
The impact of cancer and its treatments on sexuality is often overlooked, particularly in head and neck cancer. This study aimed to investigate the medium-term effects of head and neck cancer on sexual health and its correlation with overall quality of life.
A cohort of 44 patients with head and neck cancer was prospectively followed from diagnosis to 1 year post-treatment. Sexual interest and enjoyment were assessed using the EORTC QLQ30 and HN35 questionnaires, alongside quality of life evaluations, conducted six to eight times over a year.
Sexual interest and enjoyment were compromised at diagnosis, further diminished during treatments, showed partial recovery post-treatment, and subsequently declined again. A significant association between sexual well-being and overall quality of life impairments was noted. Questions regarding sexuality constituted a substantial proportion of unanswered queries, indicating patient discomfort.
This study contributes to understanding the medium-term repercussions of head and neck cancer on the sexual health and highlights the need for enhanced support strategies. Addressing sexual health needs in head and neck cancer survivors requires a multifaceted approach, including improved patient-provider communication and integration into comprehensive cancer care plans.
癌症及其治疗对性功能的影响常常被忽视，在头颈癌患者中尤为如此。本研究旨在调查头颈癌对性健康的中期影响及其与总体生活质量的相关性。
对44名头颈癌患者组成的队列从诊断开始进行前瞻性随访，直至治疗后1年。使用欧洲癌症研究与治疗组织（EORTC）QLQ30和HN35问卷评估性兴趣和性快感，同时进行生活质量评估，在一年中进行六至八次。
性兴趣和性快感在诊断时即受到损害，在治疗期间进一步降低，治疗后有部分恢复，随后再次下降。性健康与总体生活质量受损之间存在显著关联。关于性方面的问题在未回答的问题中占很大比例，表明患者对此感到不适。
本研究有助于了解头颈癌对性健康的中期影响，并强调需要加强支持策略。解决头颈癌幸存者的性健康需求需要多方面的方法，包括改善医患沟通以及将其纳入综合癌症护理计划。
