Sexual Dysfunction in Melanoma Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence and Associated Factors

TL;DR

This study finds that nearly 30% of melanoma patients experience sexual dysfunction, often linked to factors like depression, visible scars, and reduced sexual desire.

Contribution

The study is the first to systematically evaluate sexual dysfunction in melanoma survivors and identify associated factors.

Findings

29.33% of melanoma patients reported sexual dysfunction, primarily due to low sexual desire.

Female sexual dysfunction was linked to older age, visible scars, and depression.

Male sexual dysfunction correlated with higher anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Melanoma is a skin cancer that can lead to a poor prognosis. Unlike other oncologic diseases, there is scarce evidence regarding sexual function in melanoma patients, as well as factors associated with sexual dysfunction (SD). The aim of this study was to evaluate SD in a cohort of melanoma patients, as well as to describe associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in individuals diagnosed with melanoma. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, clinical stage of the disease, quality of life, and sexual functioning were obtained through the use of validated assessment tools. The duration of the study was from 1 January 2023 to 1 January 2024. Results: Seventy-five patients were included. The mean age was 52.70 ± 14.07 years, and 61.33% (46/75) were females. Melanomas at stages III or IV comprised 18.67% (14/75) of the sample. A negative impact of the melanoma on sexual function was reported by 29.33% (22/75) of patients, with low sexual desire being the most frequent cause. Female SD was associated with older age, shorter disease duration, greater depression rates, and visible scar location after melanoma surgery (p < 0.05). Male SD correlated with higher anxiety and depression rates and worse quality of life (p < 0.05). No association was found for melanoma stage in any case (p > 0.30). Conclusions: Melanoma patients may suffer from SD, which can be associated with mood status disturbances, poor quality of life, and older age. Since the most frequent causes of a negative impact on sexuality are a reduction in sexual desire and the side effects of melanoma surgery, patients should be specifically asked about sexuality to improve holistic care of the disease, irrespective of disease stage.

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