Sexual Problems of Patients With Breast Cancer After Treatment: A Systematic Review

Sexual health is a crucial part of quality of life in breast cancer survivors, regardless of their relationship status. However, previous studies have rarely used qualitative methods to explore the postoperative experiences and feelings of patients with breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to examine the causes of changes in sexual relationships of breast cancer survivors, methods for adaptation to these changes, and healthcare interventions to facilitate the patients' return to a normal life.

A survey was performed by using five electronic databases and electronic journals accessed through the Internet. The following keywords were used: "breast cancer," "sexual problem," "sexual dysfunction," and "qualitative."

Seven articles were included in the literature review. Three main domains were explored, namely, reasons for sexual relationship changes; the way patients used to adapt to sexual life after the diagnosis of breast cancer; and intervention by healthcare workers.

The results of this study can facilitate and encourage health professionals to identify, examine, and solve most of the patient's sexual problems by using the functional and medical framework of the healthcare system.

One practical recommendation of this study is the incorporation of sexual counseling units into the national healthcare system. Counselors in these units can help breast cancer survivors solve problems and improve sexual satisfaction between couples.