Communication about Sexual Health in Breast Cancer: What Can We Learn from Patients’ Self-Report and Clinic Dialogue?

Abstract Objective Research assessing clinical communication about sexual health is limited. We compared clinical communication about sexual health across patients’ self-reports and coded dialogue in breast cancer outpatients. Methods 134 patients had clinic visits audio-recorded and coded for sexual health communication and completed self-report questionnaires immediately after the visit. Associations between the self-report and dialogue were assessed using Phi coefficient. Agreements (present/absent) and discrepancies (omissions, commissions) about discussed topics were classified and discrepancies analyzed for themes. Results Sexual health was discussed in 61 of 134 patient visits (46%). Associations were significant (p  Conclusions Patients’ reports of whether sexual health communication occurs does not always align with observed dialogue, and may vary by personal relevance of the topic. Practice Implications There are limitations in determining the prevalence of clinical communication about sexual health through patient self-report. Explaining sexual health terms might enhance shared understanding.