Breast Cancer, Sexuality, and Intimacy: Addressing the Unmet Need

Experience of Sexuality in Women with Gynecological Cancer: Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Gynecological cancers have an impact on women's psychosexual health in which results vary from adjuvant cancer therapy, such as loss of pleasure, to anxious symptoms. This study aimed to present a meta-synthesis of qualitative primary studies on the sexual experience of women with gynecological cancer. The SPIDER tool and the PRISMA guidelines were used to recover evidence from the databases Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed/MedLine, CINAHL, PsycINFO and LILACS. Twenty articles were included. The thematic synthesis showed that alterations in sexual functions can be mitigated by direct involvement and dialogue with a sexual partner and the resignification of sexual intimacy.

Influencing Factors of Sexual Intimacy and Satisfaction among Women within 1 Year after Mastectomy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the levels of body image, sexual intimacy, and sexual satisfaction, and to explore factors affecting sexual intimacy and satisfaction among women within one year of mastectomy.

METHODS

The present study was a cross-sectional survey and involved 101 women who had undergone mastectomy at a University hospital of D city, Korea. Measurement included the scales of body image, sexual intimacy, and sexual satisfaction.

RESULTS

Mean age of the subjects was 51 years. Scores of the body image, sexual intimacy, and sexual satisfaction were 59.62, 90.69, and 69.04, respectively. Body image, sexual intimacy, and sexual satisfaction were significantly related to each other. Sexual intimacy was higher when women were of young age (β=-.32), had a shorter period since surgery (β=-.24), and with higher levels of body image (β=.37). Sexual satisfaction was higher when women had higher levels of body image (β=.19) and greater levels of sexual intimacy (β=.74).

CONCLUSION

Higher levels of body image and greater levels of sexual intimacy were identified as the significant factors influencing sexual satisfaction among these women. Future research with a mixed-method research is needed to gain a deep understanding of the sexuality between women and their husbands.

Intimacy and sexuality in women with breast cancer: professional guidance needed

BACKGROUND

Approximately 60-70% of breast cancer survivors experience sexuality problems resulting from treatment. This study investigated information and communication preferences with professionals on the topic intimacy and sexuality of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS

Members of the Dutch Breast Cancer Patient Association were surveyed regarding their experiences and preferences about information on intimacy and sexuality. An online questionnaire was developed that included five close-ended and one open-ended question regarding: information received; type of professional preferred; method and timing of communication on the topics of intimacy and sexuality. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. A deductive framework analysis was performed on the open-ended answers to enrich the data of the close-ended questions.

RESULTS

In total, 667 female breast cancer (ex-)patients participated. In 46% of the women, the information received matched their needs. Most women preferred to receive information about the impact on intimacy and sexuality from a nurse (66.4%) or primary doctor (27.9%). The preferred method of communication was a conversation with a professional together with their partner (51.6%) or a personal conversation with a professional. Respondents emphasized the importance of appropriate timing of information, preferably at least shortly after the treatment started (45.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that intimacy and sexuality should be repeatedly included in consultations, at every stage of the disease but especially shortly after treatment started. Women with breast cancer expect that professionals (preferably nurse or primary doctor) initiate this subject via a personal conversation (alone or with their partner).