The relationship between sexual activity and sexual attitudes among breast cancer survivors in China

Yan, Rui; Yu, Jinming; Tanimoto, Tetsuya; Ozaki, Akihiko; Lu, Xinyuan; Che, Beibei; Zhang, Yaxuan; Chen, Panzhen; Wang, Jiwei

doi:10.1002/cam4.2874

Cited by 13 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Body image-related sexual activity scores ranked third in the dimensions scores 13.73 (3.67), and previous studies have shown that sexual activity is closely related to body image ( Sebri et al, 2021 ). On the one hand, surgery-induced scarring or mastectomy can lead to a variety of psychosocial problems, including reduced attraction and satisfaction with the body, decreased self-esteem and self-efficacy, and can adversely affect the sexual experience ( Yan et al, 2020 ). On the other hand, breasts are considered to be a symbol of femininity and image ( Smedsland et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationships between body image, dyadic coping and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Wang,

Tong

et al. 2024

Front. Psychol.

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BackgroundThe diagnosis and treatment of cancer triggers not only a negative psychological response for the patient, but also a positive psychological outcome. Positive dyadic coping, as a form of coping for mental health outcomes, can maintain or reestablish internal stability between the patient and his or her spouse, resulting in positive physical and psychological changes. However, there is a paucity of research on body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship and pathways between body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to November 2023 at a tertiary care hospital in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. This study was conducted among 154 breast cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, all of whom completed demographic and clinical information questionnaires, Body image self-rating questionnaire for breast cancer (BISQ-BC), Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). A Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the path relationships among the three and to explore the mediating role of dyadic coping.ResultsThe level of body image was negatively correlated with post-traumatic growth (r = −0.462, p < 0.01); and the level of body image was negatively correlated with dyadic coping (r = −0.308, p < 0.01). And dyadic coping was positively associated with post-traumatic growth (r = 0.464, p < 0.01). The structural equation modeling results supported the mediation model with the following model fit indices, chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio (χ2/df = 2.05), goodness of fit index (GFI = 0.93), comparative fit index (CFI = 0.99), canonical fit index (NFI = 0.93), incremental fit index (IFI = 0.99), non-canonical fit index (TLI = 0.99) and the root mean square of the difference in approximation error (RMSEA = 0.03). Body image and dyadic coping directly affected post-traumatic growth (β = −0.33, p < 0.05; β = 0.43, p < 0.05). And body image indirectly influenced post-traumatic growth through dyadic coping (β = −0.17, p < 0.05).ConclusionInterconnections between body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients. A preliminary validation of the mediating role of dyadic coping between body image and post-traumatic growth, body image can have an impact on dyadic coping, which in turn can have an impact on post-traumatic growth. Whereby higher levels of dyadic coping in patients may also be associated with higher levels of post-traumatic growth, whereas body image disturbance may impede levels of post-traumatic growth.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationships between body image, dyadic coping and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Wang,

Tong

et al. 2024

Front. Psychol.

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“… 15 Cultural differences in sexual health education needs are also apparent, as studies of Chinese patients with breast cancer have shown that they avoid sexual activity owing to perceptions that it may affect treatment outcomes and recurrence risk. 16 , 17 A multipronged approach to sexual health education may offer options suitable for a variety of needs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

No One-Size-Fits-All: Sexual Health Education Preferences in Patients with Breast Cancer

et al. 2022

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Background Using explanatory mixed methods, we characterize the education that patients with breast cancer received about potential sexual health effects of treatment and explore preferences in format, content, and timing of education. Patients and Methods Adult patients with stage 0–IV breast cancer seen at an academic breast center during December 2020 were emailed questionnaires assessing sexual health symptoms experienced during treatment. Patients interested in further study involvement were invited to participate in semistructured interviews. These interviews explored sexual health education provided by the oncology team and patient preferences in content, format, and timing of education delivery. Results Eighty-seven (32%) patients completed the questionnaire. Most patients reported decreased sexual desire (69%), vaginal dryness (63%), and less energy for sexual activity (62%) during/after treatment. Sixteen patients participated in interviews. Few women reported receiving information about potential sexual effects of breast cancer treatment; patients who did reported a focus on menopausal symptoms or fertility rather than sexual function. Regarding preferences in format, patients were in favor of multiple options being offered rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, with particular emphasis on in-person options and support groups. Patients desired education early and often throughout breast cancer treatment, not only about sexual side effects but also on mitigation strategies, sexual function, dating and partner intimacy, and body image changes. Conclusion Few patients received information about the sexual health effects of breast cancer treatment, though many experienced symptoms. Potential adverse effects should be discussed early and addressed often throughout treatment, with attention to strategies to prevent and alleviate symptoms and improve overall sexual health.

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“…In a study carried out in China in the year 2020, it was found that approximately 24.3% of BCSs reported engaging in sexual activity in the previous year. 39 Moreover, more than 50% of the BCSs believed that sexual activity could have an adverse impact on their disease recovery. Their attitudes toward sex included the perception that “sexual activity may hinder disease recovery.” 39 Considering the frequency of sexual activity, previous studies have found that BC and associated treatments often lead to a reduction in sexual desire along with a decrease in the frequency of engaging in sexual intercourse.…”

Section: Bodymentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 39 Moreover, more than 50% of the BCSs believed that sexual activity could have an adverse impact on their disease recovery. Their attitudes toward sex included the perception that “sexual activity may hinder disease recovery.” 39 Considering the frequency of sexual activity, previous studies have found that BC and associated treatments often lead to a reduction in sexual desire along with a decrease in the frequency of engaging in sexual intercourse. Reports from BC patients indicate that sexual disturbances can occur soon after diagnosis or even persist for years following treatment.…”

Section: Bodymentioning

confidence: 99%

Care for breast cancer survivors in Asian countries: A review of sexual dysfunction

Jehan,

Azam,

Taimuri

et al. 2024

Womens Health (Lond Engl)

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Breast cancer accounts for one in three new cancer cases in women each year. Despite having a higher survival rate than other cancers, it is associated with various side effects, including anorgasmia, vaginismus, hair loss, and decreased libido. This review aims to explore trends in the incidence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, the etiology of sexual dysfunction, and the role of factors such as family history, age, duration of marriage, and depression in predisposing patients. We summarize the limitations of the treatment modalities already used to cater to sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors and patients. The authors conducted searches on databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant search terms: sexual dysfunction, breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy, dyspareunia, vaginismus, and anorgasmia from 1997–2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed all types of articles with abstracts or titles indicating research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors in Asia. A total of 64 articles were included out of which 10 were systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The literature search yielded results showing high incidence rates of breast cancer in Asia (45.4%), with 31.6%–91.2% of breast cancer survivors likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Regional differences were noted, as female sexual dysfunction occurred in 74.1% of Asian breast cancer women. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment modalities. Personalized approaches should be tailored to address beliefs, such as the potential impact of sexual activity on disease recovery. Utilizing a family history of breast cancer as a preemptive tool can help reduce the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction in survivors, and factors such as age and depression should be considered when formulating solutions.

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The relationship between sexual activity and sexual attitudes among breast cancer survivors in China

Cited by 13 publications

References 33 publications

Relationships between body image, dyadic coping and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Relationships between body image, dyadic coping and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

No One-Size-Fits-All: Sexual Health Education Preferences in Patients with Breast Cancer

Care for breast cancer survivors in Asian countries: A review of sexual dysfunction

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