Sexual Health in breast cancer patients in Poland

Abstract

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in Poland and in the world, with a mortality rate second only to that of lung cancer. Breasts are one of the most important symbols of femininity and sexuality. Cancer surgery, but also systemic therapy (chemotherapy and hormone therapy) cause a change in the perception of one's body. The aim of the survey proposed by us was to assess interest in sex by breast cancer patients during and after oncological treatment, as well as to identify ways to improve the quality of patients' sex lives. Materials and methods. The proposed survey consisted of 3 parts: the first part included questions about the demographic, in the second part there were the author's questions about sexual dysfunction (12 questions), in the third part there was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) form assessing the sexual functioning of women. The questionnaires were made available online from October 13, 2020 to December 20, 2020 through the social networks of patient organizations involved in breast cancer care. 287 women diagnosed with breast cancer were included in the survey. Results. Before the disease almost all patients were sexually active and had a partner (95.5%; n = 274); at the time of filling the questionnaire only slightly more than half of the patients remained sexually active ( 57.1%; n = 164). About 30.7% (n = 88) stated that the disease was the main reason for not being sexually active. More than 60% of patients (60.9%; n = 137) used products to improve the comfort of sexual intercourse, mainly lubricants (39.7%; n = 114). Only about 1 / 3 of the patients (32.1%; n = 92) were satisfied with their sex life, 48.1% (n = 138) stated they were not satisfied with their sex life, 19.9% (n = 57) did not answer this question. The main reasons for lack of satisfaction with sex life included: decreased libido (65.9%; n = 189), vaginal dryness (55.1%; n = 158). The mean score of forms filled out by the respondents was 24.50 in FSFI form. Conclusions. Assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with breast cancer should be performed on a routine basis before treatment and regularly during treatment.

Telenursing in the sexual function of women with breast cancer: A study protocol

“…The study population will consist of women with breast cancer undergoing cancer treatment recruited using the following inclusion criteria: stage I, II, III or IV breast cancer; oncological treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy), as the literature indicates that all treatments interfere directly or indirectly in sexual functioning and that these effects may begin from treatment and remain for a long period; [ 4 , 13 ] having at least one telephone number; and having a partner or spouse. The following subjects will be excluded: patients in treatment for sexual dysfunction or climacteric symptoms to reduce confounding variables in the assessment of the intervention’s outcome; [ 14 ] treatment for another type of cancer; hearing impairment, as it makes communication by phone impossible; and having a medical diagnosis of any mental disorders since cognitive functioning is necessary to understand and fill in the data collection instruments.…”

“…These problems directly impact the quality of life of these patients and their relationships. [ 3 , 4 ] One of the major problems surrounding this issue is the fact that many healthcare practitioners do not address the sexuality complaints of patients with breast cancer during their appointments. Therefore, most patients seek information from other sources, thus highlighting communication barriers in the professional-patient relationship and the maintenance of a taboo around sexuality and its relevance to women, especially in the context of breast cancer treatment.…”