(191) Navigating Intimacy After Cancer: Distress, Coping, and Sexual Communication Among Male Partners

Abstract Introduction Cancer has enduring effects on sexual and intimate relationships, often disrupting emotional closeness and sexual functioning within couples. While survivors’ experiences of sexual concerns are well-documented, partners’ perspectives remain understudied despite growing recognition of cancer as a “we-disease” that requires dyadic adaptation. Partners frequently assume the role of primary caregivers, face challenges in balancing emotional support with intimacy needs and managing the psychological burden of loss, anxiety, and sexual change. Evidence suggests that effective communication about sexuality is a modifiable factor linked to greater sexual and relational well-being; yet few studies have examined this construct from the partner perspective. Objective This concurrent mixed-methods study investigated how psychological distress, dyadic coping, sexual functioning, sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, and self-efficacy in communicating about sexuality and intimacy interrelate among male partners of female cancer survivors, elucidating the psychological and relational processes that influence sexual adjustment. Methods Seventeen male partners of female cancer survivors completed validated measures of psychological distress (Emotion Thermometers), dyadic coping (Common Dyadic Coping subscale, DCI), sexual functioning and satisfaction (PROMIS SexFS), relationship satisfaction (GMREL), sexual distress (GMSEX), and self-efficacy for sexual communication (SECSI-PV). Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and using Spearman correlations (SPSS v.29). Semi-structured qualitative interviews explored coping, intimacy, and communication experiences post-cancer. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s framework to identify themes and triangulate findings across data sources. Results On average, partners were in their late 30s (M = 38.94, SD = 7.19), predominantly Non-Hispanic White (64.7%), and highly educated. While relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being were elevated, partners reported impaired sexual function, elevated sexual distress, and moderate self-efficacy communicating about sexuality. Self-efficacy positively correlated with relationship satisfaction (ρ = .61, p .05), dyadic coping (ρ = .48, p .05), and satisfaction with sexual relationships (ρ = .61, p .05). Qualitative analysis revealed five themes: (1) Emotional Distress and Guilt: partners described tension between supporting patients and desire for sexual activity; (2) Disruption and Redefinition of Sexuality: treatment-related changes led couples to expand intimacy beyond sexual intercourse; (3) Barriers to Communication: respondents reported fear, discomfort, and timing concerns when initiating sexual conversations; (4) Caregiver Role Strain and Unmet Support Needs: partners highlighted the demands of caregiving and limited access to tailored psychosocial support; and (5) Growth Through Shared Coping: mutual empathy and open communication strengthened resilience and restored closeness. Integration of findings revealed that partners who demonstrated coordinated coping strategies and self-efficacy described greater openness, mutual understanding, and emotional reciprocity, buffering distress and fostering sexual adjustment. Conclusions Male partners of female cancer survivors face complex challenges balancing caregiving, intimacy, and communication about sexuality, with repercussions on sexual function, distress, and satisfaction. While the integration of quantitative and qualitative data enhances understanding of partners’ mental, sexual, and relational experiences, limited diversity in sexual identity, orientation, and racial/ethnic composition constrains generalizability of results. The study highlights a clinical need for interventions that specifically target improving partners’ confidence and skills in discussing sexual health and intimacy. Disclosure No