Intimacy and sexuality in women with breast cancer: professional guidance needed

Ouden, Marjolein E.M. den; Pelgrum-Keurhorst, Myrna; Uitdehaag, Madeleen; Vocht, Hilde M. de

doi:10.1007/s12282-018-0927-8

Cited by 42 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Similar to our findings, the Klungrit et al 's study on Thai women with BC showed the presence of a need for family support and education by nurses and physicians about the effects of BC and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy [42]. Also, in the study of Den Ouden et al, the majority of BC patients in the Netherlands expressed the need to receive information about the effect of BC on sexuality and intimacy from nurses or physicians [43]. In addition, two review studies by Hill et al, and Bartula and Sherman, indicated the need to pay more attention to sexual concerns in patients with BC as an unmet need [44,45].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…Talking about sexual issues is taboo and women often refuse to talk about their sexual problems that leads to not meeting their information needs. On the other hand, healthcare professionals may ignore patients' need for education about sexual issues for a number of reasons including lack of awareness, uncomfortable feelings, lack of education, privacy of sexual matters, lack of a private environment, lack of an appropriate referral system, and heavy workloads leading to the lack of time to provide information [43].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Qualitative exploration of sexual life among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age

et al. 2021

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Background Our understanding of the experiences of women at reproductive age regarding sexual life and issues they may face after starting the treatment of breast cancer is limited. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore sexual life and its related issues among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age in Iran. Methods A qualitative research was conducted. Participants were 21 breast cancer survivors who were under 51 years of age that were chosen using purposeful sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out for data collection and the content analysis method was used for data analysis. Results The data analysis led to the development of main theme of ‘unfulfilled sexual life’. Also, four subthemes were: ‘undesirable sexual function’, ‘context-based beliefs’, ‘unmet information and supportive needs’, and ‘emotional crisis’. Conclusions Our research findings inform healthcare providers about the experiences of breast cancer survivors and related changes in their sexual and marriage life at reproductive age. Nurses and other healthcare providers in the multidisciplinary team should proactively identify health-related problems and design appropriate caring strategies to mitigate sexual and marriage issues among breast cancer survivors. Also, the establishment of sexual health counseling units for breast cancer survivors can help this vulnerable group of women with the improvement of their long-term sexual satisfaction.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Qualitative exploration of sexual life among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age

et al. 2021

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“…Therapists may utilize their skills to tailor communication about sexual and relationship issues to individual preferences (e.g., preferred timing, preferred information channel) and information needs (Canzona et al, 2016; Den Ouden et al, 2019; Ussher et al, 2013). They can provide education regarding normalizing common concerns, assist in improving communication surrounding sex and intimacy, and deconstruct overly rigid thoughts about sex (Reese et al, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Long‐Term Effects of Cancer Treatment on Sexuality and Couple Relationships

et al. 2020

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Breast cancer and its pharmacological treatment often induce an impairment in women’s sexual functioning and couple relationships, as a consequence of physiological changes and psychosocial issues that may arise and persist long after treatment. This study aims to evaluate the sexual functioning, the quality of the couple relationship, and the overall health status of breast cancer survivors. A further objective is to determine the predictive role of specific clinical and sociodemographic variables for sexual functioning and the couple relationship. Sixty‐four breast cancer survivors completed the following questionnaires: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the Short Form Health Survey‐12 (SF‐12), and a self‐report questionnaire to collect sociodemographic characteristics. Clinical information was retrieved from medical records. Compared to normative data, our sample reported significantly (p < .01) lower mean scores in the FSFI, DAS, and Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF‐12. Multiple regression analyses show a significant effect of age, hormonal therapy, and psychological well‐being on sexual functioning and a significant effect of physical and mental well‐being on the quality of the couple relationship. Additionally, 75% of patients qualified for sexual dysfunction as measured by the FSFI global scale, and 71.9% declared they were not adequately informed about the side effects of treatments on sexuality. The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors underlines the need for specific attention to this problem, starting from a complete and targeted communication between patients and health providers regarding these side effects.

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“…Sexuality should be included in assessment (alone or with partner). Additionally, women prefer being informed by professional figures (preferably nurse or primary doctor) about potential issues in sex health and related solutions (31); this should also be taken into account. In conclusion, sexual counseling can be useful to patients and to their partners, to help improve quality of life during the cancer experience.…”

Section: Distress Body Image Self-esteem and Sexualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Breast Cancer Survivorship, Quality of Life, and Late Toxicities

et al. 2020

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Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women: in 2018, almost two million cases have been diagnosed all over the world and it represents the principal cause of death from a neoplastic disease in women. In the past years, breast cancer prognosis has significantly improved over time: currently 5-year survival rates are in the range of 90%, and 10-year survival is about 80%. This improvement has been mostly observed in western countries, due to high coverage and compliance with screening programs, leading to early diagnosis, i.e., when the disease is at a subclinical level, and to an improvement in tumor molecular characterization and innovative systemic treatments. Yet the identification of different biological breast cancer subtypes prompted the development of innovative targeted agents and improved treatment personalization. On the other hand, longer survival rates and increasing proportions of cured patients require dedicated strategies to manage long-term sequelae of breast cancer treatments, with particular attention to quality of life. This review analyzes the most important issues, potentially occurring with cancer treatments, concerning long-term sequelae and quality of life, to define a global approach to breast cancer survivorship.

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Intimacy and sexuality in women with breast cancer: professional guidance needed

Cited by 42 publications

References 27 publications

Qualitative exploration of sexual life among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age

Qualitative exploration of sexual life among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age

The Long‐Term Effects of Cancer Treatment on Sexuality and Couple Relationships

Breast Cancer Survivorship, Quality of Life, and Late Toxicities

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