UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, DIVISION OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

12631 E. 17th Avenue
Mailstop B198-1
Aurora, CO 80045​ 
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The Patty Brisben Foundation takes care to follow the progress of all ongoing research we’ve helped fund. For questions about our role in this study, or any other research, please contact us and we’ll do what we can to assist you.

Examining the effect of gynecologic cancer on relationships, and working to raising awareness of psychosocial issues

Our support of the University of Colorado, Denver, funds a study of sexual dysfunction in women who have been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. The goal of this study is to raise awareness among healthcare providers of the specific sexual and marital problems created by the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers.

Gynecologic cancers (which include ovarian, cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and uterine cancer) are the third most common malignancies affecting women in the United States, with an estimated 83,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012 alone. Even though there have been significant advances in treatments in the last decade, knowledge of psychological and social issues impacting the patients undergoing these treatments has not advanced.

This study has two aims: to evaluate the extent and scope of sexual dysfunction that women face after a diagnosis/treatment of gynecologic cancer, and to examine the effect that a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer has on marriage and domestic partnerships, with specific regards to the incidence of divorce, infidelity, and depression as a result.

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