The Effect of a Sexual Life Reframing Program on Marital Intimacy, Body Image, and Sexual Function among Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The sexual life reframing program offers an opportunity to facilitate small-group dynamics that lay the ground for further contacts leading to earlier recognition of sexual problems and active involvement for sexual health improvement for breast cancer survivors and nurses. It could be utilized for survivor education or support groups to increase sexual satisfaction.

Interventions to Address Sexual Problems in People with Cancer

“…On the basis of expert opinion, the Working Group also recommended regular stimulation (for example, masturbation) to improve sexual response. The evidence base for this recommendation consists of six publications of low-to-moderate quality [29][30][31][32][33][34] .…”

“…If a woman is partnered, evidence indicates that, compared with usual care, couples-based interventions are effective. The evidence base for this recommendation consists of eight publications of low-to-moderate quality [30][31][32][33]35,37,40,41 . The studies demonstrated considerable heterogeneity with respect to target (individual, couple, group), type of counselling, number of sessions, follow-up, and outcomes measurement.…”

“…Although the interventions in the literature were directed at the couple, the expert panel believes that individual psychosocial counselling would still be helpful for a woman with body image issues. The evidence base for this recommendation consists of seven publications of moderate quality 30,31,[35][36][37][38][39] .…”

“…The current evidence does not support a specific psychosocial counselling intervention to improve sexual functioning and satisfaction. The evidence base for this recommendation consists of sixteen publications of moderate quality [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] and four systematic reviews [14][15][16][17] . …”

The sexual lives of breast cancer patients: Coping with changes associated with treatment

“…[2] "Sexual life is affected by psychological and physical relationships, intimacy, body image, and sexual function." [23] It is an important factor in determining the satisfaction and stability of families. [24] In this research, sexual life is defined as encompassing sex, gender identity, gender roles, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction, and is a part of the daily life of humans.…”