Abstract
BackgroundSexual function in patients with breast cancer especially in younger patients is an important issue from clinical and psychosocial perspectives. This study aimed to assess sexual function among Iranian breast cancer patients.MethodsThis was a prospective study of sexual function in breast cancer patients attending the Cancer Institute of Iran. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at two points in time: baseline (pre-treatment) and after completion of cancer treatment at follow-up visits (post-treatment). Pre- and post-treatment data were compared. In addition logistic regression analysis was performed to find out factors that contributing to post-treatment sexual dysfunction.ResultsIn all 277 breast cancer patients were approached. Of these, 231 patients (83%) were sexually active and data for 216 patients (93.5% of sexually active patients) were available at pre-and post-treatment. Overall pre- and post-treatment sexual dysfunction was found to be 52% and 84%, respectively indicating a significant deterioration in sexual function among breast cancer patients. The results obtained from multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age [OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98; P = 0.04], receiving endocrine therapy [OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.37-7.91; P = 0.007] and poor sexual function at pre-treatment [OR = 12.3, 95% CI = 3.93-39.0; P < 0.0001] were the most significant contributing factors to post-treatment sexual disorders.ConclusionA significant number of breast cancer patients experience deterioration in sexual function over time. The findings from this study indicated that younger age, receiving endocrine therapy, and poor sexual function at diagnosis were the most significant predicting factors for sexual disorders following treatment.
Highlights
Sexual function in patients with breast cancer especially in younger patients is an important issue from clinical and psychosocial perspectives
Studies have shown that disrupted sexual functioning or unsatisfactory sexual life was related to poorer quality of life at younger age, treatment with chemotherapy, total mastectomy, emotional distress consequent on an unsatisfactory sexual life, and difficulties with partners because of sexual relationships [4,5,6,7,8]
The findings indicated that 52% of breast cancer patients at pre-treatment and 84% at post-treatment were suffering from poor sexual function
Summary
Sexual function in patients with breast cancer especially in younger patients is an important issue from clinical and psychosocial perspectives. Studies have shown that disrupted sexual functioning or unsatisfactory sexual life was related to poorer quality of life at younger age, treatment with chemotherapy, total mastectomy, emotional distress consequent on an unsatisfactory sexual life, and difficulties with partners because of sexual relationships [4,5,6,7,8] This latter factor was further examined and recently a French study found that ‘no sexual activity’ or ‘sexual dissatisfaction’ among breast cancer patients were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner’s fear of sexual intercourse [9]. They concluded that sexuality in the context of breast cancer could not be conceptualized the physical body separately from women’s intrapsychic experience
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