PO-02-024 The effect of breast cancer in female sexual health: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Psychological, anatomical and hormonal changes, as a result of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, may affect female sexuality. These changes are most pronounced in women of reproductive age. The purpose of the study is to record the changes in women's sexual response cycle following breast cancer treatment Sixty seven breast cancer patients (group A) and 33 with benign breast lesions (group 0) were studied prospectively. Sexuality was studied by using a self-completed questionnaire (SFQ) and by measuring the hormones: testosterone, estrogen and cortisol. The blood collection and the completion of the questionnaire performed before the surgery and a year later. Of the 67 breast cancer patients, 48% were of reproductive age, with mean age of 39 years. The scales of sexual desire and stimulation were decreased in group A (-0.6 ± 2.2) and (-1.2 ± 2.5) and increased in the control group (1.1 ± 2.1) (P: 0.001) and (0.5 ± 2.5) (P: 0.001) respectively. The scale for the orgasm phase recorded the same change in Group A -1.2 ± 2.6 and in control group of 0.5 ± 2.8 (P: 0.006). Testosterone levels did not change before and after surgery but were significantly lower than the control group (39.1 ± 13.9 and 54.4 ± 16.7 respectively)