Sexual problems remain a burden in breast cancer patients

Sexual disorders are common among breast cancer patients, and such problems may continue for up to 2 years after the cancer diagnosis, according to a study. Notably, a communication gap regarding sexuality persists between patients and healthcare providers.

This analysis involved 1,350 breast cancer participants from the French national VIe après le CANcer 2 (VICAN 2) longitudinal study. The authors obtained data from patient and medical questionnaires, as well as medico-administrative databases.

Outcomes examined were as follows: dimensions of sexual function and frequency from the Relationship and Sexuality Scale and communication about sexuality with healthcare providers.

Of the included women, 60.2 percent suffered from a decrease in sexual desire, 61.4 percent experienced fewer sexual intercourse, and 49.5 percent had a difficulty in having an orgasm. On the other hand, 64.8 percent had an intercourse in the past 2 weeks, 89.5 percent were “somewhat” or “very much” satisfied with the frequency of intimate touching and kisses with their partner, and 81.6 percent reported satisfaction with the frequency of their intercourse.

Notably, only 15 percent of women reported discussing sexuality with their healthcare providers. The following factors were independently associated with greater communication about sexuality: age <50 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.90, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.28‒2.82; p=0.001), being in a partner relationship (OR, 2.53, 95 percent CI, 1.28‒2.82; p=0.003), monthly income >1,500 Euros (OR, 1.73, 95 percent CI, 1.15‒2.60; p=0.009), and absence of diabetes (OR, 6.11, 95 percent CI, 1.39‒26.93; p=0.017).

“These findings underscore the necessity for tailored sexual health interventions, particularly designed for women who are single, older aged, and diabetes patients,” the authors said.