Sexual dysfunction in women who received breast cancer treatment: a cross-sectional study

Breast cancer has a major impact on global public health. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of sexual dysfunction in women who received breast cancer treatment (BCT). Data were collected from sexually active adult women in Natal, Brazil, who had completed at least one year of BCT. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function in 88 participants. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was found to be 76.1%, with the most affected domains being sexual desire and vaginal lubrication. Factors associated with sexual dysfunction included difficulty adjusting to post-surgery body changes, pre-existing comorbidities, and the absence of breast reconstruction. These findings highlight the significant impact of BCT on sexual function and underscore the need for targeted prevention and treatment interventions to address the sexual health needs of women undergoing this experience.