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Addressing Sexual Health in Breast Cancer Survivors: Evidence-Based Practices and Clinical Considerations
1Norton Cancer Institute, 4955 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, USA. Laila.agrawal@nortonhealthcare.org.
Current Treatment Options in Oncology
|April 30, 2025
Summary
Breast cancer treatments significantly impact survivors' sexual health, causing issues like low desire and pain. Improved education and support programs are vital for addressing these common sexual health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sexual Health
- Quality of Life
Background:
- Breast cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and endocrine therapy, frequently lead to significant sexual dysfunction.
- Survivors often experience diminished sexual desire, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and altered sensation, impacting relationships.
- Inadequate patient preparation and limited availability of sexual health programs exacerbate these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and impact of sexual health problems in breast cancer survivors.
- To underscore the need for better education and support for sexual health in oncology care.
- To advocate for the integration of sexual health programs and research within cancer survivorship care.
Main Methods:
- This is an opinion statement based on current literature and clinical observations.
- It synthesizes common patient experiences and identifies gaps in care.
- It reviews the impact of various breast cancer treatments on female sexual function.
Main Results:
- Sexual health issues are highly prevalent among breast cancer survivors.
- Common side effects include loss of sexual desire, pain during intercourse, and altered sensation.
- Lack of education and support systems contributes to unmet needs.
Conclusions:
- Oncology professionals must proactively address sexual health as a critical component of survivorship care.
- Enhanced training, dedicated sexual health programs, and research are essential to improve survivors' quality of life.
- Prioritizing sexual health is vital for holistic breast cancer patient care.
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