Perceived Barriers to patient-healthcare Professional Communication on Sexual Health Information in Patients with Gynecological cancer

Gynecological cancer treatment may cause dysfunction and cessation of sexual activity, adversely impacting patients’ psychological health, relationship adjustment, and overall quality of life (QoL). Gynecological oncologists can significantly enhance survivors’ QoL by addressing sexual concerns. However, these remain unaddressed among many cancer survivors. Hence, this qualitative study explored healthcare professionals’ perceived barriers to providing sexual information to gynecological cancer patients and examined their gender blindness. We collected data through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants recruited from the gynecological cancer ward and radiotherapy department of a northern Taiwan medical center. Using the Miles and Huberman method, the analysis yielded four themes: (1) the service system is unsupportive; (2) providers’ sexual health literacy is often inadequate; (3) providers often make their own decisions about the criterion for addressing sexual health; (4) certain situations can be unfavorable for initiating a conversation about sexual health. Gender blindness was identified as a significant barrier to sexual healthcare among healthcare professionals. This highlights the need for gender sensitivity in cancer care and the awareness of gender blindness in sexual healthcare. This can help professionals identify sex and sexual health conversation barriers, promoting discussions that enhance the sexual health of patients with gynecological cancer.