SynthesisSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2024
Feasibility and effectiveness of communication tools for addressing intimacy and sexuality in patients with cancer: a systematic review.
Synthesis in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation of the simplified Chinese EORTC QLQ-SH22 among cancer patients.Health and quality of life outcomes · 2026Article
- Sexual health at the end of life in patients with advanced cancer and their partners. Results of a Dutch prospective longitudinal study (eQuiPe).Palliative medicine · 2026Article
- Breast cancer survivor's sexual health unmet supportive care needs: a mixed-methods study.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2026Article
- Attitudes and knowledge of pain specialists in Israel regarding sexual health in chronic pain patients.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Enhancing nurses' communication about psychosocial needs and changes in intimacy and sexuality in patients with advanced cancer: a mixed-method study.International journal of nursing studies advances · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
purposePatients diagnosed with cancer might experience changes in intimacy and sexuality due to the illness itself, treatment, or psychological and social factors. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often feel reluctant to discuss these changes. This study aimed to provide an overview of the feasibility and effectiveness of communication tools that support communication regarding changes in intimacy or sexuality among patients with cancer.
methodsThis is a systematic review. Databases are PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2023. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess included studies. Data were summarized in data charting forms.
resultsIn total 35 studies were included, published between 2001 and 2023. Most had a quantitative design and moderate methodological quality. In 11 studies, the PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) was used. Tools were integrated in counselling sessions or training programmes for individual patients, couples, groups of patients, or HCPs. All tools were considered feasible by patients or HCPs. Twenty studies reported significant improvement in sexual functioning, quality of life, quality of care or combined outcomes.
conclusionTools to support communication about changes in intimacy and sexuality among patients with cancer seem feasible and effective. The most commonly used tool, the PLISSIT model, proved to be feasible for HCPs and to have a positive effect on patients' and partners' sexual functioning and quality of life. Giving attention to changes in intimacy and sexuality seems to be important in itself, regardless of the communication tool or approach used.
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