Penile cancer is a rare malignancy (0.5-0.93/100,000 in Western countries) with significant psychosocial and sexual repercussions. This qualitative study explored the impact of penile cancer diagnosis and treatment on intimacy. A convenience sample was identified of 20 potential candidates who were at least 5 months post penile cancer surgery at a hospital centralizing penile cancer care. Participants were recruited by telephone and admitted until data saturation was reached, resulting in a sample of nine men (44-74 years old), none withdrew from participation. All interviews were performed by the same female researcher with no prior relationship to the men. The one-time interviews (35-61 min) followed a semi-structured interview guide, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three researchers analysed the data independently using descriptive phenomenological analysis, resulting in a gradually drawn up coding tree mapping out the patient's journey. The central themes that emerged were: (1) Intimate area led to diagnostic delays, intensified diagnosis and induced secrecy; (2) Impact on sexuality prior to surgery; (3) The voyage of sexual re-discovery; (4) A partnered voyage of sexual discovery; (5) Care needs related to intimate area. This study highlights the need for comprehensive and personalized care, including pre-surgical information provision and post-surgical psychosexual support. Addressing the current unmet needs of men with penile cancer requires guidelines for psychosexual interventions and proactive efforts to reduce stigma and to raise awareness.
International journal of impotence research. 2024 Oct 21 [Epub ahead of print]
Camille Roumieux, Laurence Royakkers, Maarten Albersen, Eline Dancet
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium., Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium., Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .