Factors related to sexual function in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer

Greendale, Gail A.; Petersen, Laura; Zibecchi, Laura; Ganz, Patricia A.

doi:10.1097/00042192-200103000-00006

Cited by 94 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Marital satisfaction has a close relationship with sexual relationship, as an effective factor, in improving interpersonal relationships and some outcome aspects of the disease [21][22][23][24]. The prevalence of sexual disorder in women with breast cancer varies between 21-94% [12,[25][26][27]. The differences vary according to the assessment of different sexual phases, time of assessment, kinds of treatment and special matters such as psychological, cultural, philosophical or religious viewpoints toward sex and cancer [11,18,28].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How do Iranian Women with Breast Cancer Conceptualize Sex and Body Image?

Garrusi

Faezee

2008

Sex Disabil

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Women's sexual dysfunction after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has received little research attention in Iran (I.R). Our goal was to identify sexual dysfunction and its related factors in Iranian women after diagnosis of breast cancer. A sample of 82 female breast cancer survivors seen for routine follow-up appointment from March 2006 to March 2007 completed a survey questionnaire regarding their sexual experiences, body image perception and opinion about sex after cancer diagnosis and treatment. The various aspects of sexual function that were disturbed was related to factors such as age, marital status, body image perception, and perceived husband's attitude. The authors conclude that healthcare workers' education is very important, so taking time to do research and passing along knowledge will go a long way in helping to address sexual disturbances in breast cancer survivor in our community.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How do Iranian Women with Breast Cancer Conceptualize Sex and Body Image?

Garrusi

Faezee

2008

Sex Disabil

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“…However, the one study to examine serum testosterone in breast cancer survivors found that those with higher levels actually had less desire for sex. 19 This unexpected finding may reflect the association in postmenopausal women between obesity and higher circulating androgen levels. Randomized trials show benefits of testosterone replacement in women presenting with low desire after bilateral oophorectomy.…”

Section: Sexual Function Gender and Damage From Cancer Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 95%

Sexuality and Fertility after Cancer

Schover¹

2005

Hematology

164

124

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As more people achieve long-term survival after cancer, sexual dysfunction and infertility have increasingly been recognized as negative consequences that impact quality of life. Sexual dysfunction is a frequent long-term side effect of cancer treatment, but damage to different underlying physiological systems is salient in men versus women. Men frequently have erectile dysfunction (ED) related to damage to the autonomic nervous system and/or reduced circulation of blood to the penis. Hormonal impairment of sexual function is less common. Women, in contrast, are able to overcome damage to autonomic nerves if genital tissues remain structurally intact and estrogenized. Female sexual dysfunction is frequently associated with sudden premature ovarian failure or direct effects of radiation fibrosis or scar tissue causing pain with sexual activity. The lack of validated interventions for sexual rehabilitation after cancer is a major problem, as is finding cost-effective ways of providing services. Concerns about fertility are also a major source of distress to people treated for cancer during childhood or young adulthood, yet many young survivors do not recall any discussion about future childbearing potential with their oncology team. Since fertility preservation is becoming more practical for both men and women, producing patient and professional educational materials and developing professional practice guidelines should be high priorities for oncology societies.As long as cancer treatments cannot be exclusively targeted to tumor cells, damage to the reproductive system will remain an important aspect of cancer morbidity. Problems with sexual function and fertility after cancer are not only ubiquitous, they are less likely to resolve with time than most other treatment side effects. Although not every cancer survivor cares about remaining sexually active, longterm sexual dysfunction has been documented in at least 50% of those treated for breast, prostate, colorectal or gynecological cancer.1 Most available information about sexual dysfunction and fertility is from patients treated for solid tumors. Distress about cancer-related infertility is typically highest among those diagnosed in their reproductive years. Although a much smaller percentage of people treated for cancer are affected by infertility than by sexual dysfunction, 1 in 71 men and 1 in 51 women are diagnosed with a malignancy before age 39.2 Although some cancer treatments can cause both sexual dysfunction and infertility, these two types of morbidity are frequently independent. For example, many young men treated with chemotherapy have poor semen quality, but with all but the highdose regimens, their testosterone levels and sexual function remain normal.3 Therefore, sexual function and fertility will be discussed in separate sections. Sexual Function, Gender, and Damage from Cancer TreatmentThe most common sexual problems after cancer treatment include loss of desire for sex in men or women, erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, and pain with sexual act...

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“…Two studies report QOL scores comparable to healthy controls [10,12]. However, not inconsequential numbers of survivors have reported lingering effects of their treatment, especially menopausal symptoms [4,8,13,14], arm and chest wall problems [7,10,15], weight gain [7], cognitive impairment [7], sexual difficulties with partners [4,8,10,[15][16][17], problems with obtaining and maintaining health insurance, and fears of recurrence [8,15,18]. Almost a third of the women continue to report psychological distress, primarily depression [15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

Section: Health and Quality Of Life Among Long-term Breast Cancer Surmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing the needs of young breast cancer survivors at the 5 year milestone: can a short-term, low intensity intervention produce change?

et al. 2008

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Factors related to sexual function in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer

Abstract: In this small sample of BCS, we found multiple correlates of sexuality. Most seem to impact uniquely on individual domains of sexual function. Several characteristics are modifiable and could be targets for intervention.

Cited by 94 publications

References 42 publications

How do Iranian Women with Breast Cancer Conceptualize Sex and Body Image?

How do Iranian Women with Breast Cancer Conceptualize Sex and Body Image?

Sexuality and Fertility after Cancer

Addressing the needs of young breast cancer survivors at the 5 year milestone: can a short-term, low intensity intervention produce change?

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