Sex Life after Surviving Breast Cancer: Factors Influencing Sexual Dysfunction among Young Women

Abstract: Few studies focus on sexual dysfunction among young women diagnosed with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine prevalence of sexual dysfunction over time among this group and to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction. The specific research questions were 1) How does sexual function in young women with breast cancer change from 1.5 years to 3 years after diagnosis? 2) What factors are associated with sexual dysfunction in young women 3 years after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis? This study investigated several biopsychosocial factors such as current cancer treatment, sexual self-efficacy (SSE), body image, emotional distress, having children and relationship status and their associations with sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction was assessed with the scale PROMIS® SexFS. Participants consisted of 260 women, who responded to a survey 1,5 respectively 3 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 18-39. Dependent t-test and McNemar tests wereconducted to identify differences in sexual function over time. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction. Results showed that sexual dysfunction remained a common problem 3 years after diagnosis. Sexual dysfunction was more common among women who did not have children, was currently undergoing treatment, reported lower SSE, and more depressive symptoms. Future research should focus on developing interventions to improve SSE in order to improve sexual function for breast cancer survivors. Clinical implications include following up sexual function through dialogue with patients and offering medical aid and treatment.