[Female sexual function in breast cancer referred at the tertiary level]

Little is known about sexual function in patients with a previous breast cancer diagnosis. Treatments for breast cancer can cause structural and functional damage at different levels, affecting quality of life and emotional well-being of patients. This can produce pain, inhibition of sexual desire and difficulties in intimacy as a result of mastectomy, tumoral resection, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

To evaluate sexual function in females with breast cancer remission.

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with breast cancer remission, attending consultation in the Oncology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments during the period from August to October 2024, who underwent the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire.

129 patients were included. A high rate of sexual dysfunction was found 104 (80.6%) despite having a stable partner or being married. An adequate level of sexual function was observed in 14 (18.6%) of patients treated with radical mastectomy without reconstruction, while the highest scores were found in patients who underwent mastectomy and reconstruction.

Most patients treated with mastectomy without reconstruction presented with sexual dysfunction. Patients treated with mastectomy and reconstruction exhibited adequate sexual function.