Influence of different treatment modalities on the sexual function of breast cancer survivors: An observational...

Advances in treatment have improved the survival rates of patients diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the number of women experiencing long-term consequences has also increased, affecting their quality of life, including sexual function.

To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index, its association with treatment modalities in Uruguayan breast cancer survivors, and to compare the questionnaire scores by age group (50 years or older versus under 50 years).

This ambispective observational study included patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (I to III) who had completed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments at least 12 months before inclusion. Patients completed the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using simple and multiple binary logistic models to assess the relationship between treatment modalities and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, differences in Female Sexual Function Index scores between age groups were analyzed.

A total of 149 patients were included; 67.1% underwent breast-conserving surgery, 68.5% received chemotherapy, 92.6% radiotherapy, and 95.3% hormone therapy. Sexual dysfunction, defined as a score ≤ 26.55 on the questionnaire, was present in 58.3% of patients. Multivariate analysis indicated a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in patients who underwent total mastectomy, were treated with chemotherapy, or used gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

Although this study highlights the impact of certain treatment modalities on sexual function, the results should be interpreted considering the characteristics of the population and potential biases. These findings can guide clinicians in planning treatments to improve the quality of life of sexually active breast cancer patients.