Psychological Support, Sexual Health, and Quality of Life in Women with Cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured psychological support intervention on sexual health, quality of life (QoL), and psychological well-being in women with cancer. A randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted among forty-six women with confirmed stage I–III breast or pelvic malignancies. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 23) receiving psychological support or a wait-list control group (n = 23). Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), QoL using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and psychological distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the intervention, and a systematic literature review (2018–2026) was performed across six international databases. Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in all assessed outcomes. FSFI scores increased from 24.7 to 29.8 (+20.6%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.05), EORTC QLQ-C30 global scores increased from 68.2 to 77.9 (+14.2%, p < 0.001, d = 1.03), anxiety symptoms decreased from 9.8 to 6.3 (−35.7%, p < 0.001, d = 1.35), and depressive symptoms decreased from 8.9 to 6.0 (−32.6%, p < 0.001, d = 1.18). No statistically significant changes were observed in the control group. Qualitative findings indicated reduced concerns regarding intimacy (82%), improved partner communication (74%), and more positive body image perceptions (69%). The results suggest that a brief, structured psychological intervention integrated into oncology care may support improvements in sexual functioning, emotional well-being, and intimate relationship outcomes among women undergoing cancer treatment.