Abstract / Summary
Abstract Objective To identify the factors influencing attitudes toward sexuality in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. Method This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 212 patients who presented to the gynecologic oncology department of a private hospital in Istanbul between March and August 2025. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Attitudes Toward Sexuality in Gynecologic Cancers Scale (ATSGC). Results The women’s total scale score was 46.41 ± 18.17; the “attitude toward sexual desire” subscale score was 14.66 ± 4.34 points, and the “attitude toward sexual life” subscale score was 31.75 ± 14.84. A significant positive correlation was found between the participants’ age and their ATSGC total score. It was determined that participants with advanced-stage cancer and those who had not received education regarding the impact of gynecological cancers on sexual life had more negative attitudes toward gynecological cancers (p<.05). As women’s educational level increases, their negative attitudes toward sexual life decrease; however, as age increases, negative attitudes increase. It was determined that whether participants had received education regarding sexuality in the context of cancer was the independent variable that predicted attitude scores most strongly and in a positive direction. Conclusion It is recommended that sexual health be incorporated as a routine and comprehensive part of the care process for women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. It is particularly important to prioritize the assessment of women who are older, have a lower level of education, have been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, and have not received education on sexual health.