[Sexual function in women with breast carcinoma in relation to the time interval after mastectomy]

Within the framework of more extensive research in a group of women after treatment of breast cancer the authors paid attention also to changes of sexual function in relation to the time which elapsed after ablation (modified radical mastectomy). 151 patients replied to the question pertaining to changes of the general status of sexual intercourse after treatment of carcinoma, as compared with the year preceding establishment of the diagnosis. With regard to their replies the probands were divided into four sub-groups: A-paradoxical improvement of sexual life (n = 12, 7.9% of the group, mean age 42.3 years), B-sexual life unaltered (n = 82, 54.3%, mean age 45.1 years), C-slight sexual dysfunction (n = 32, 21.2%, mean age 46.0 years), and D-severe sexual dysfunction (n = 25, 16.6% of the group, mean age 48.3 years). Attention was focused on the time intervals: under one year, 1-2 years and more than 2 years after operation. In addition to an analysis of changes in sexual function the authors compared also the neuroticism of different subgroups assessed by means of a N5 questionnaire. Rather surprisingly the authors proved a significantly more frequent deterioration of sexual function in patients after a prolonged interval following operation. This relationship applies even when the age factor of probands is eliminated. The significantly highest ratio of women with a marked neurotic symptomatology was found in patients with slight sexual dysfunction (subgroup C).