Racial Differences in Sexuality Profiles Among American, Japanese, and Japanese American Men with Localized Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction Although there were marked racial differences in the clinical outcomes among Japanese men (JP), Caucasian men (CA), and Japanese American (JA) men with localized prostate cancer, the effect of race/ethnicity on sexual profiles remains unclear. Aim To determine differences of sexual profiles in JP, CA, and JA with localized prostate cancer. Methods A total of 412 JP, 352 CA, and 54 JA with clinically localized prostate cancer were enrolled in separate studies of health-related quality of life outcomes. We developed a collaborative study in each database. Main Outcome Measure Sexual function and bother were estimated before treatment with validated English and Japanese versions of the University of California in Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA PCI). Results The CA reported the highest sexual function score of all. Even after controlling for age, prostate specific antigen, clinical T stage, Gleason score and comorbidity, the JP were more likely than the CA to report poor sexual desire, poor erection ability, poor overall ability to function sexually, and poor ability to attain orgasm. With regard to sexual bother, however, no differences were reported between CA and JP. The JA reported sexual function closely approximate that of the JP, and they were less likely than the CA to report erection ability and intercourse. The JA were more likely to feel distress from their sexual function than the CA. When the JA were divided into two groups according to the ethnicity of their partners, UCLA PCI sexual function scores were equivalent between JA-partnered men and men partnered with other races. On the other hand, JA-partnered men were significantly less likely to report sexual bother scores than men partnered with other races. Conclusion We found significant interethnic variations among CA, JP, and JA with prostate cancer in terms of their sexual profiles. Ethnicity and/or country appear to modify some of these variables.