Main Session
Sep
28
PQA 04 - Breast Cancer, Patient Reported Outcomes/QoL/Survivorship, Functional Radiation Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies, Palliative Care, and International/Global Oncology
Presenter(s)
Ziyi Huang, MD - City of Hope, Upland, CA
Z. Huang1, N. Lin1, N. Correnti1, J. Y. C. Wong1, S. V. Dandapani1, S. M. Glaser1, S. Maroongroge1, C. J. Ladbury1, K. Chan2, J. Yamzon2, B. Yuh2, W. Yip2, A. Zhumkhawala2, C. Lau2, Y. R. Li1, and A. Tam1; 1Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 2Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
Purpose/Objective(s):
Impact on sexual function is a common side effect of prostate cancer (PCa) treatments and a major source of concern among patients. Despite its substantial impact on psychological well-being and quality of life (QOL), sexual health (SxH) discussions remain inconsistent during oncology consultations. In this study, we aimed to characterize patients’ SxH concerns and identify approaches to effective communication in the clinical setting.Materials/Methods:
We conducted a survey study among patients with newly diagnosed PCa presenting to a single institution for consultation regarding definitive treatment of localized disease. The survey included: demographics; SxH assessment using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF); six-point Likert scale statements assessing understanding and concerns about treatment-related sexual effects; prior discussions related to SxH with oncologists, perceived impact of SxH on well-being, and preferred approaches to SxH education. Surveys were distributed via QR code on posted flyers and by study team in oncology clinics. Responses were captured in REDCap (Nashville, TN) and summarized descriptively using Microsoft Excel (Redmond, WA) and STATA (College Station, TX).Results:
From December 2023 to January 2026, 136 attempted entries were recorded. A total of 112 respondents met screening criteria to proceed the survey and were included in the analysis. The median age was 68 years (IQR 62 - 74.5). Most respondents identified as heterosexual men (84.8%) and reported being sexually active (67.0%). A majority of respondents rated with agreement that they considered SxH to be an important component of overall well-being (74.1%) and expressed concern about the impact of treatment on SxH on several domains (64.3% - 68.8%): sexual performance, libido, erection, ejaculation and satisfying their partner. Although 58.9% preferred to learn about treatment-related sexual effects through conversations with their oncologists and 64.3% felt most comfortable discussing concerns with urologists, only 31 respondents (27.7%) reported having had such discussions with their oncologist. To facilitate communication, 52.7% preferred being directly asked about SxH concerns, compared with completing a survey (44.6%) or receiving a brochure (32.1%). Among those who had discussed SxH with their oncologist, 74.2% reported satisfaction with the conversation.Conclusion:
Most treatment-naïve PCa patients expressed concerns regarding treatment-related sexual dysfunction, yet only a minority reported having discussed these concerns with their oncologist. These findings highlight a gap between patient concern and clinical communication. Given patients’ preference for oncologist-initiated discussion and the high satisfaction reported when conversations occur, proactive engagement regarding SxH should be considered an integral component of comprehensive prostate cancer care.