Sexual dysfunction in treated breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the impact of breast cancer therapy on women's sexuality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire concerning various sexual problems experienced before and after treatment was anonymously completed by 50 women in the outpatient clinic of our hospital's Division of Radiation Oncology. To be eligible, subjects had to be disease-free and sexually active. They also had to have undergone surgery at least one year previously and have completed CT and or RT. Fifty-eight percent of the women involved had undergone mastectomy and 42% had undergone quadrantectomy followed by RT.

RESULTS: Ninety percent of the subjects continued sexual activity after treatment, but there was an increase in the incidence of sexual problems which resulted in a slight reduction in the quality of their sex lives. Sixty-four percent of the women experienced an absence of sexual desire and 48% low sexual desire, while 38% had dyspareunia, 44% frigidity and 42% lubrication problems. Vaginismus, brief intercourse and female orgasmic disorder were reported by 30% of the subjects. Thirty-six percent suffered from sexual dysfunction before treatment, which worsened in about 27%, while in 49% of women sexual problems arose mainly after chemotherapy (26%) or surgery (12%). About one-half experienced changes in the relationship with their partner.

CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients experienced sexual dysfunction: ours found it easier to discuss the problems with their partner during their illness (62%) than with doctors and psychologists (15%).