State of the science of sexual health among older cancer survivors: an integrative review

Purpose Sexual health is important for quality of life among older (≥65 years) cancer survivors. Yet, little is known about the extent to which their sexual health has been studied. Methods In this integrative review, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for data-based articles of sexual health among older cancer survivors. Using a matrix, study characteristics, including cancer types and areas of sexual health, were categorized. Results The sample included 82 articles (81 studies). The areas of sexual health were categorized into sexual function, body image, sexual function-related distress, sexual health-related quality of life, sexual activity, sexual enjoyment, and sexual desire. Most targeted prostate cancer ( n = 56, 69.1%) and studied sexual function, e.g., erectile function ( n = 53, 94.6%). Body image ( n = 16, 19.8%) was next frequently studied, targeting women with breast cancer. Measures to assess areas of sexual health, largely unstandardized, varied widely. Generally, older cancer survivors reported negative changes in sexual function and other areas during and after cancer treatment. Conclusions Studies of sexual health among older cancer survivors have been focused primarily on prostate cancer, male, and sexual function. Together with the lack of standardized sexual health measures validated for older adults, this narrow research focus contributes to the limited body of knowledge regarding sexual health among older cancer survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors Given that cancer and cancer treatment affect both men and women and many aspects of sexual health beyond functioning, broadening the scope of sexual health and cancer type is warranted for future research.