Comprehensive assessment of sexual function in male survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Abstract

Background

Assessment of sexual dysfunction among adult male survivors of childhood cancer has primarily been limited to erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to characterize sexual functioning more comprehensively among a large population of male survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods

Male survivors (N = 1595, 22.0–59.4 years, median age, 37.8 years) and siblings (N = 269, 21.5–60.8 years, median age, 38.9 years) from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study completed the Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) to assess interest, desire, arousal, satisfaction, activity, orgasm, masturbation, relationship, and problems. Poor sexual functioning was defined as SFQ Total scores >2 standard deviations below siblings' mean. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for poor sexual function.

Results

Survivors (8.3%) were more likely to report poor sexual functioning as compared to siblings (4.9%, odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–3.4) and reported lower SFQ total scores (p < .001) and lower means on seven subscales. Poor sexual functioning among survivors was associated with older age (40–49 years: OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.78–8.18; 50–59 years: OR, 6.45; 95% CI, 2.28–18.30), not being married (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.66–7.26), lower education (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.32–7.14), learning/memory problems (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.02–3.27), and high-dose cranial (≥40 Gy: OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.58–7.51) or high-dose testicular (≥10 Gy: OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.66–10.39) radiation.

Conclusions

Adult male survivors report poor sexual functioning at twice the rate expected before age 60 years. High-dose cranial or testicular radiation, as well as social and cognitive factors, contributes to risk. Improved awareness of sexual dysfunction prevalence and risk factors in male childhood cancer survivors can help clinicians better assess and treat those at highest risk.