Sexuality After Breast Cancer: Need for Guideline

Shahram  Vaziri; F Lotfi Kashani

International Journal of Cancer Management

The Official Journal of Cancer Research Center (CRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Outlines

Abstract
Copyright

Sexuality After Breast Cancer: Need for Guideline

Author(s):

Shahram Vaziri^1,*,

F Lotfi Kashani¹

1Dept. of Clinical Psychology, Roudehen branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

International Journal of Cancer Management:Vol. 5, issue 1; e80791

Published online:Mar 31, 2012

Article type:Research Article

Received:Jun 28, 2012

Accepted:Aug 08, 2012

How to Cite:Shahram VaziriF Lotfi KashaniSexuality After Breast Cancer: Need for Guideline.Int J Cancer Manag.5(1):e80791.

Abstract

Background: Clinical experiences have revealed that patients with breast cancer experience various sexual problems following their treatment. Breast cancer negatively impacts the sexual life of the afflicted couples, and as a traumatic event can influence women’s psychosexual functioning and intimate relationship. This review focuses on sexuality after breast cancer and on a growing need for bio-psycho-social guidelines for breast cancer treatment.

Methods: This study aims to review the literature on management, psychological outcomes and sexual dysfunction in patients with breast cancer.

Results: Although the benefits of the current treatment strategies are well established, many cancer survivors are at risk for developing psycho physiological symptoms including sexual dysfunction. Cancer and treatment-related factors can influence sexual functioning. We review current treatment-related side effects on sexual functioning such as desire, arousal and orgasm in breast cancer patients. Despite the impact of medical treatment on survival of patients with breast cancer, no satisfactory steps have been taken towards improving sexual functioning of these patients.

Conclusion: Breast cancer affects many aspects of sexuality, including changes in physical functioning and in the perception of feminity. Sexual dysfunction following breast cancer should be diagnosed and managed as a systematic approach with multidisciplinary inputs. Healthcare professionals should assess the effects of medical and surgical treatment on the sexuality of breast cancer survivors.

Keywords

Breast neoplasm

Psychosexual dysfunctions

Sexuality

Fulltext

Full text is available in PDF.

comments