LAUSR

e23071 Background: Women report distress over relationships, body image and sexual function after cancer; those < 50 have a 3-times greater risk of sexual dysfunction following treatment. Survivors desire integrated and multifaceted interventions to maintain optimal sexual health. Methods: We employed a mixed-method (concurrent nested) design to identify women’s need for sexual health support after diagnosis. Women 18-50 years old were recruited at a national conference for young survivors and local breast/gynecologic clinics. Qualitative and quantitative assessments identified sexual health factors and support needs most prevalent. Summary statistics and theme analysis using grounded theory was conducted. Results: Participants included 128 women (mean diagnosis age 35.6) and were: married (71%), breast cancer (46%), mastectomy (40%), hysterectomy (30%), chemotherapy (81%), radiation (51%) and completed treatment (67%). Nearly 1/3 of women reported their relationship worsening, 97% contribute it to less sexual activity; 71% were unsatisfied with their sexual relationship compared to before diagnosis. Women (77%) feel their oncologist should discuss sexual health and 74% prefer information prior to treatment. When asked to identify resources 82% desired helpful products/strategies; other desired resources include: written education (65%), medications/lubricants (68%), personal counseling (37%), sex therapist (41%) and local/web-based support groups (36%). When asked to describe their experience with sexual health women reported the following themes: supportive partners, sexual health status, guilt, stolen identity, loss of desire, isolation, treatment side effects, menopause, vaginal changes, maintaining relationships, coping mechanisms, fertility, self-image, grief, intimacy, and desire for oncologist support. Conclusions: Sexual health support after diagnosis is an unmet need that can be integrated into treatment to greatly improve the quality of life for survivors. Women desire their oncologist to provide information before treatment and through survivorship on products/strategies, education, and medications/lubricants to maintain sexual function. Young women do not desire social support resources.