Session Item

Our study aimed to evaluate the training needs of oncology residents on the theme of the sexual health of oncology patients.

An online survey with 22 questions was sent to all oncology residents (medical oncology and radiation oncology) (a total of 60 residents). The participants were invited to anonymously answer questions regarding 1) demographic data (4 questions) 2) previous knowledge of sexual health evaluation and treatment of oncology patients (13 questions) 3) the importance of assessing the sexual health of oncology patients in general and in different tumor locations (4 questions) 4) 1 question for the need of specific training on sexual health.

The participation rate was 70% (42 residents: 25 radiation oncologists (59.5%) and 17 (40.5%) medical oncologists). The median age was 27.5 years [23-34] with a sex ratio of 0.35. All training levels were represented and 15 participants 35.7%) were in 4th grade. Most participants (30 participants; 71.4%) have already assessed the sexual health of their patients in a clinical routine (n=12; 40%) or at the patient’s request (n=11; 36.7%). Thirty-eight participant (90%) believe that sexual health assessment of oncology patients is at least necessary (necessary: n=16 (38.1%); very important n=12 (28.6%), and mandatory n=10 (23.8%)). This assessment must be done by the oncologist according to 19 participants (45.2%) and throughout care according to 28 participants (66.7%).
Sexual health assessment was considered mandatory by the majority of participants for the following tumor locations: Prostate cancer (27 participants; 64.3%), Cervical cancer (27 participants; 64.3%), endometrial cancer (26 participants; 61.9%), and other urological cancers (21 participants; 50%).
For the question "On a scale of 1 (does not affect) to 5 (maximum effect), to what extent do these different parameters affect the sexual health of oncology patients?" most participants gave a score of 4 or 5 for organic lesion (26 participants; 61.9%), radiotherapy (22 participants; 52.4%), chemotherapy and hormonotherapy (30 participants each; 71.4%), body image alteration (33 participants; 78.6%), depression (36 participants; 85.7%), and partner's fears (31 participants; 73,8%).
Thirty-seven participants (88.1%), 35 participants (83.5%), and 34 participants (81%) report not having training in sexual health assessment of oncology patients, Sexual management and do not know a sexual assessment scale respectively. Thirty-four participants (81%) would be interested in training on oncology patient sexuality.

The results of our study confirm the lack of knowledge about sexual health among oncology residents. The importance of sexual health assessment and management of sexual dysfunction for oncology patients underscores the need to strengthen resident training on these topics.