SynthesisBMC cancer2026
"Prevalence of sexual dysfunction and narrative synthesis of associated factors in patients with different type of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis".
Synthesis in BMC cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 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
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Patterns of sexual dysfunction among breast cancer survivors five years after diagnosis: a latent class analysis of the French VICAN5 study.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2026Article
- Development and Psychometric Validation of a Questionnaire Assessing Gynecologic Oncology Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Providing Sexual Health Care.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Navigating sexual challenges in couples post breast cancer treatment: a qualitative study.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundSexual dysfunction (SD) is a prevalent but underrecognized consequence of cancer and its treatment, affecting patients’ quality of life, psychological well-being, and intimate relationships. Despite its clinical importance, the literature on SD remains fragmented, with previous reviews focusing primarily on specific cancer types. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of SD across various cancer types and to identify demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and treatment-related factors associated with its occurrence.
methodA systematic search was conducted in both English and Persian databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and regional platforms (SID, Magiran, IranMedex) for observational studies reporting on prevalence of SD and its determinants in cancer patients. The inclusion criteria were developed based on the SPIDER framework, targeting quantitative studies that focused on the prevalence and risk factors associated with SD. Eligible studies were screened independently by two reviewers and assessed using the Observational Studies Quality Evaluation (OSQE) tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates 39 included studies. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 4 software. Additionally, a narrative synthesis of associated factors was performed based on 37 included studies.
resultsA total of 39 studies involving 17,970 participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of SD was 54.0% (95% CI: 50.4%–58.8%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). Subgroup analysis revealed the highest prevalence among patients with gynecological (93.7%), breast (59.2%), and colorectal (57.4%) cancers. Meta-regression identified publication year, cancer type, and geographical region as significant moderators. However, a large portion of heterogeneity remained unexplained due to insufficient reporting of key socio-demographic and clinical variables. Narrative synthesis identified age, treatment modality, menopausal status, body image, psychological distress, and social factors as major determinants of SD.
conclusionThese findings underscore the urgent need for standardized assessment tools, individualized care strategies, and theory-informed interventions that integrate sexual health into routine oncology care. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs and individual-level data to better understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to SD in cancer patients.
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