Objective: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Medical advancements have led to increased survival. However, sexuality and sexual concerns remain as major worries of patients after treatment. This study aims to understand the psychosexual experiences of cervical cancer survivors.
Methods: Cervical cancer survivors (n = 30) aged 35-55 years were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule, after obtaining consent. The audio-recorded in-depth interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three major themes in each group namely sexually active and sexually inactive evolved on analysis. Three themes were derived under sexually active group namely (i) Enablers of active sexual functioning (ii) Impediments of active sexual functioning (iii) Sexual health communication. The three themes under sexually inactive include (i) Attributes of sexual abstinence (ii) Impact of sexual abstinence (iii) Barriers of sexual health communication.
Conclusions: Both sexually active and inactive survivors in India experience various psychosexual concerns post cancer treatment indicating a strong need for psychosocial care and focused clinical interventions.
Keywords: cancer survivorship; cervical cancer; health communication; marital conflicts; marital relationship; psycho-oncology; sexual abstinence; sexual behaviour; sexuality; social stigma.
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