Sexual Problems of Patients With Breast Cancer After Treatment: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health is a crucial part of quality of life in breast cancer survivors, regardless of their relationship status. However, previous studies have rarely used qualitative methods to explore the postoperative experiences and feelings of patients with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the reasons underlying postoperative sexual relationship changes, sexual inactivity, and adaptation to sexual life in patients with breast cancer, as well as interventions provided by medical staff.

INTERVENTIONS/STUDY METHODS: A survey was performed by using electronic databases and electronic journals accessed through the Internet. The following keywords were used: "breast cancer," "sexual problem," "sexual dysfunction," and "qualitative."

RESULTS: Seven articles were included in the literature review. Three main domains were explored, namely, reasons for sexual relationship changes, including age and treatment; the way patients used to adapt to sexual life after the diagnosis of breast cancer, including support systems, communication with partner, and religious beliefs; and intervention by healthcare workers, including intimacy enhancement measures and patient-provider communication.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can facilitate and encourage health professionals to identify, examine, and solve most of the patient's sexual problems by using the functional and medical framework of the healthcare system.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: One practical recommendation of this study is the incorporation of sexual counseling units into the national healthcare system. Counselors in these units can aid patients with breast cancer in resolving their sexual issues and promoting sexual satisfaction in the husbands (or partners) of the patients.