A new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has identified significant and lasting impacts of colorectal cancer on women’s sexual health, with issues persisting years after treatment concludes.
The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), examined health records of over 25,000 women in British Columbia diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1985 and 2017. The study compared these women to a matched cohort without a cancer diagnosis, highlighting a strong correlation between cancer treatment and long-term sexual health complications.
Key findings include a 67% higher risk of dyspareunia—pain during sexual intercourse—among colorectal cancer survivors. This risk increased to 90% in women diagnosed before the age of 40. Additionally, survivors were found to be more than three times as likely to develop pelvic inflammatory disease and nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Younger women also faced a 75% higher risk of premature ovarian failure or early menopause compared to their peers.
“Sexual health is a critical component of quality of life, yet it remains largely neglected in the care of colorectal cancer patients,” said Dr. Mary De Vera, the study’s senior author and associate professor at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Our research shows these issues are both prevalent and serious, and they often remain unrecognized until long after treatment ends.”
Dr. De Vera, who is also a colorectal cancer survivor, noted that her own experience and that of her patients shaped the direction of the research.
“As someone who has gone through treatment, I understand the silence and difficulty around post-cancer sexual health,” she said. “This study was driven by the stories of patients who are living with these challenges without support.”
Increasing Incidence Among Women and Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer is one of Canada’s most frequently diagnosed cancers, with approximately 10,500 new cases reported in 2023. Though it has traditionally been viewed as a disease affecting older men, rates among women and younger individuals are on the rise.
Co-author Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor in UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and a specialist in female sexual health, said the findings reveal a major gap in oncology care.
“Sexual health concerns are rarely addressed during cancer treatment,” Brotto said. “Many clinicians lack training to identify and manage the wide-ranging effects cancer can have on intimacy and sexual function. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based interventions and education for all healthcare providers.”
The researchers emphasize that addressing sexual health must become a routine part of cancer survivorship care. They call for earlier interventions, improved provider education, and more open discussions to help women receive the support they need after cancer.
“Recognizing these issues is the first step toward delivering truly comprehensive and compassionate care for female cancer survivors,” Dr. De Vera said.
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