Sexual dysfunction as a challenge in treated breast cancer: in-depth analysis and risk assessment to improve individual outcomes

Abstract

The increasing number of breast cancer survivors has led to a greater emphasis on issues related to quality of life (QoL). Up to 75% of women treated for breast cancer (BC) report sexual disorders. However, most oncologists are not trained to recognize which patients are at high-risk of developing sexual disorders. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is common in patients with BC; we found that patients without FSD prior to BC treatment are at risk of developing FSD after treatment. Treatment of early BC relies on the combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. All these treatments have side effects or sequelae identified as high-risk factors for the development of FSD. The choice of less toxic treatments in each modality could reduce the risk of FSD in some cases, without affecting the risk of recurrence or effectiveness. A comprehensive approach of BC must consider FSD as a determinant factor of QoL in survivors.

Care for breast cancer survivors in Asian countries: A review of sexual dysfunction

“…As of now, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and hormonal therapy are being used to treat SD in BCSs. 11 Unlike previous reviews, our research brings into the limelight recommendations that may help improve the lives of BCSs. These include awareness programs that cater to the masses and thus can target a greater population of females having SD.…”

“…A plan involving coordinated monitoring through a multidisciplinary care group, which may include sex therapists, sexologists, or clinical sexologists, could prevent the risk of SD. 11 By bringing SDs and associated risk factors into the spotlight, clinicians and BC patients will consider these problems and report such symptoms, helping to make early diagnosis and prompt treatment. 11 …”

“… 11 By bringing SDs and associated risk factors into the spotlight, clinicians and BC patients will consider these problems and report such symptoms, helping to make early diagnosis and prompt treatment. 11 …”

“…These include awareness programs that cater to the masses and thus can target a greater population of females having SD. 11 By gathering all risk factors into one place and recommending probable awareness methods, our review can help achieve a milestone in the health care world by creating awareness among patients and clinicians regarding risk factors and how to target the affected population. 11 …”

Effects of psychological intervention on negative emotions and psychological resilience in breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy

“…They also exhibit significant suspicion and show more resistance to terms such as "breast" and "cancer" compared to the general population. Another study by Hernández-Blanquisett et al [ 19 ] revealed that patients who underwent radical mastectomy believed that their romantic or marital relationships were affected, suggesting that the absence of the breast directly influences patients' lives and has a certain impact on their physical and mental well-being. Female sexual dysfunction refers to a category of diseases in which women experience disorders in one or more stages of the sexual response cycle, affecting the normal conduct of sexual activity.…”