Sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors

The aim of this study was to determine differences in body image and sexuality of breast cancer survivors, depending on treatment: radical mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery.

A total of 206 patients treated for breast cancer between January 2001 and January 2004 were asked to fill in the questionnaire 1-5 years after treatment. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of 108 patients with advanced stages of breast cancer and who were treated with modified mastectomy with adjuvant chemo- or radiation therapy. The second group consisted of 98 patients with early stages of breast cancer who were treated with breast conserving surgery, lumpectomy and radiotherapy.

A significant number of patients in both groups was satisfied with their sexual life before treatment, 70.37 and 73.47% respectively, which is grossly reduced after treatment of breast cancer (56.48 and 50.00%, respectively, p > 0.05). Most of patients found their partner's attitude towards them to be the same (31.48 and 45.92%), or even better (39.82 and 25.51%) after treatment, and they described them as very supportive and tender. In group 1, 58.33% of patients felt differences in their body image, in contrast to 44.90% in group 2. Similar proportions were observed in both groups for patients who felt mutilated (18.52 vs. 8.16%, p < 0.01).

These findings confirm and extend previous reports of impaired sexual functioning among breast cancer survivors.