(341) Prevalence of Sexual Disorders in a Sample of Patients Suffering from Breast Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Introduction There is scarce evidence on prevalence of sexual disorders at large and particularly in the region where I work and practice psychiatry and sexology. Not to mention, lack or research and evidence in regard to sexual disorders among females suffering from Breast Cancer. Objective Assess the prevalence of females suffering from a sexual disorder in my region is a challenge on its own - checking in the prevalence of females suffering from a sexual disorder while in the course of treatment from Breast Cancer is another challenge since sex could be the last thing they want to talk about – possibly. Methods 1000 female patients were randomly selected at the outpatient clinic of a national cancer hospital over the course of four consecutive months by initial simple questionnaire inquiring about mood, sleep, appetite, level of energy, relationship with partner, intimacy with partner and frequency of having sex and if there is any problems or pain experienced during sex. Those reported to have any sexual symptoms or complaints were taken to sexual interview using the PLISSIT model. When necessary, the partner was called in for assessment too. To implement the first simple survey - I had to psychosexual educate personnel in Pain clinic - where the survey was distributed beside psychiatry clinic - and recruit 4 psychology students under training to help conducting the survey - so I could reach the 1000 sample within the course of four months. Symptoms of depressive mood, disturbed appetite and disturbed sleep, lack of energy, were associated with sexual disorder. Results N 708 patients 70 % reported turbulent marital relationship and distant partners before or after illness. N 738 patients reported suffering from a diagnosable sexual disorder mainly Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder plus or minus vaginal dryness as a sequel of chemotherapy regimen indicated at the time. N 200 patients 20% reported partners to be suffering from a diagnosable sexual disorder mainly erectile disorder and/or sexual disorder due to substance use disorder. While N 292 30% reported good relationship with their caring husbands and flowing sexual life fostered by warm intimacy. Conclusions Sexual disorders are widespread and remarkably under diagnosed and overlooked in the treatment of breast cancer while prevalence is approaching 80 %. It would be interesting to take this research to the next level and study the prevalence of female sexual interest/arousal disorder in relation to each and every chemotherapeutic agent versus surgery and radiotherapy as well as hormonal therapy between females who underwent female genital mutilation surgery (circumcised) versus those who are not circumcised. It is very important to early diagnose and treat sexual disorders to restore intimacy and create a better quality of life for females suffering from breast cancer - better adherence on follow up and less stress to counteract relapse of cancer. Disclosure No