Breast cancer and sexual functioning: a review of the literature and implications for future research

A review of the literature from 1953-1981 about breast cancer and sexual functioning is presented with an emphasis on the reported research in this field. Based on the literature there is evidence to suggest that women with breast cancer are at risk for developing sexual difficulties as a result of their illness and its subsequent treatment. The existing research indicates that the study of breast cancer and sexual functioning is in its infancy. Most of the research is found to be lacking in an appreciation for the complexity of variables which may contribute to sexual difficulties in this population. An outline of such variables, which are drawn from patient, partner and health provider sources, is presented. Particular attention is given to the effect of treatment upon the patient's ability to maintain her previous level of sexual functioning. Implications for future research are given throughout the discussions of those variables and throughout critiques of the previous studies.