Breast Cancer Significantly Impacts Women's Sexual Health

Sexual health concerns are highly prevalent in women following breast cancer diagnosis, according to a study being presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Researchers conducted an anonymous online survey study regarding sexual health for people with a current or prior breast cancer diagnosis using Instagram and email. Questions included demographics, breast cancer history and treatment, sexual health symptoms, and experience with medical care for sexual health symptoms. In total, 1462 people (mean age, 47 years) answered the question of whether or not their sexual health changed after breast cancer diagnosis or treatment.

The study showed that breast cancer diagnosis or treatment caused a moderate to great deal of change to sexual health in 89.5% of respondents and a moderate to great deal of distress in 85.0%. The sexual health concerns reported included decreased interest in sex or libido (85.8%), vaginal dryness (78.2%), decreased lubrication and arousal (71.8% and 69.2%, respectively), and body image concerns (60.0%). The study also found that 73% of participants did not receive information about sexual health from their health care team. Moreover, among participants who reported negative alterations in their sexual health, only 12% were satisfied with how their sexual health concerns were addressed.

“Sexual health is a prevalent and distressing toxicity in women after cancer treatment. Sexual health needs and treatment require multidisciplinary management and, despite the existence of guidelines on the management of sexual health, are often overlooked in the clinical setting,” the researchers concluded.

Reference

Agrawal L, Teplinsky E, Feygin Y, Kluthe T, Menn C. Women’s insights on sexual health after breast cancer (WISH-BREAST). Abstract #12132. Published for the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 31-June 4, 2024; Chicago, Illinois.