Older adults with hematologic malignancies experience a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with 93% reporting that sexual health had never been discussed with healthcare professionals, and sexual dysfunction persisting regardless of treatment.
The vast majority of older adults with hematologic malignancies reported that sexual health had never been discussed with their healthcare professionals.
Common sexual symptoms reported included decreased libido, impaired sexual activity, diminished confidence in erection, vaginal dryness, and reduced sexual satisfaction.
Sexual inactivity was significantly correlated with a higher degree of sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Men experienced significantly more sexual distress than women.
Younger older men (aged 65-75) had significantly better erectile function compared to men older than 75 years.
Women aged 65-75 had better sexual arousal and orgasmic function than women older than 75 years.
Sexual dysfunction persists in older adults with hematologic malignancies regardless of treatment status.
This was a sub-analysis of a Danish cross-sectional study using electronic validated questionnaires sent to older adults with hematologic malignancy.
This research suggests that older adults (age 65 and over) living with blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma in Denmark face widespread sexual health problems, including reduced desire, difficulty with erections, vaginal dryness, and lower sexual satisfaction. Despite these significant concerns, an striking 93% of participants said that sexual health had never come up in conversations with their doctors or nurses, pointing to a major gap in patient care. The study also found important differences based on gender and age. Men reported more emotional distress related to sexual problems than women, and men with lymphoma were particularly affected. Both men and women in the 65-75 age group had better sexual function than those over 75, suggesting that sexual difficulties worsen with advancing age even among people already considered 'older.' Critically, these sexual problems did not go away after treatment ended — they persisted regardless of whether patients were still receiving active treatment. This research suggests that sexual health is a meaningful quality-of-life concern for older cancer patients that is being largely overlooked in clinical settings. Healthcare providers caring for older adults with blood cancers may need to proactively raise the topic of sexual health, offer ongoing support, and tailor that support to patients' gender and age group, both during active treatment and in follow-up care.
Chamberlin M, Lange A, Jarden M, Nørskov K. (2025). Sexual health in older adults with hematologic malignancies - a sub-analysis of a Danish cross-sectional study.. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09921-9