Body image and sexual function in women with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is especially prevalent among women. It can affect patients’ sexual function, body image, and marital relations. The aim of present study was to investigate the relationship between body image and sexual function among women with breast cancer. This case–control study was done online on patients admitted to the clinic of breast cancer in 2021 in Jahrom, Iran. The sample consisted of 222 women (111 with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy and 111 without breast cancer). To collect data, two questionnaires, female sexual function index and body image scale, were used. p < 0.05 was significant. Sexual dysfunction among women with breast cancer was 91%. The most common disorder was sexual arousal. Comparing sexual domains: desires disorder (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.63–5.49), arousal disorder (3.31, 95% CI: 1.16–9.45), orgasm (OR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.57–10.55), vaginal lubrication (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.06–6.76), sexual satisfaction (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.11–6.36), and painful intercourse (OR = 2.03 95% CI = 0.95–4.35) saw a decrease in the women with breast cancer group compared to the control group. The body image concern among women with breast cancer (51.56 ± 15.09) compared to the control (45.80 ± 16.82) was significant (OR = OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.22–5.81). Women with breast cancer undergo problems in sexuality and are afraid of their body image. Moreover, there is a correlation between sexuality and body image. Therefore, it is necessary to inform patients about the effects of treatments and the side effects of breast cancer on sexuality.