Patient-clinician communication about sexual health in breast cancer: A mixed-methods analysis of clinic dialogue.

The study was small and single-site: 7 clinicians and 67 women at one comprehensive cancer center. The sample was predominantly white, married or partnered, and college-educated, so it may not represent all breast cancer patients. Only one follow-up visit per patient was recorded, so sexual health communication at other visits was not captured. Only follow-up appointments were studied, not initial consultation visits where treatment side effects may first be discussed. Patients were approached only after clinician approval, which the authors say may have made the sample more selective. A single sexual problems item was used, so it may not capture all concerns or the detail of how they are experienced. The number of visits per clinician ranged from 4 to 15, and the percentage of visits with sexual health communication per clinician ranged from 13.3% to 100%, so patterns may reflect individual clinician practice. The study did not test a communication intervention, so it cannot show that asking directly or using training improves patient care.

The supplied publication types list NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support. The article text does not include a separate conflict-of-interest declaration.

Do not conclude that a patient who does not report sexual problems has no sexual health concern. Nine women who did not report sexual problems still had in-depth discussions, and the single screening item may miss concerns such as whether sexual activity is safe.