CN54 - Sexual health in women with breast cancer undergoing hormonal treatment

Background

Sexual dysfunction is the most common long-term consequence of cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors (BCS), which have a huge impact on their quality of life (QOL). We pretend to develop a tool to assess these problems, identify the most relevant challenges, and prove the beneficial effect a nursing intervention would have on their QOL.

Methods

This is a prospective study with 51 BCS treated with HT, who were recruited from Hospital Clínico Valencia, from March to April 2023. A questionnaire with 28 related items was developed, including demographical data. These were evaluated by a Likert scale.

Results

Patients were aged under 45 years-old (mean 40.5 + 3.2). 82.4% of BCS received previous chemotherapy treatment. Regarding the surgery, only 43.1% presented a tumorectomy. 21.6% of BCS were treated with Tamoxifen and 78.4% with aromatase inhibitors plus LH-RH analogues (AI + LHRHA). 70.6% expressed high satisfaction with their previous sexual life; however, only 25.5% of BCS feel satisfied. This study highlights vaginal dryness (72.5%), loss of sensibility in the affected breast (62.5%), loss of femininity (60.8%), loss of desire (60.8%), and fear of penetration pain (60.8%). AI + LHRHA was related to fear of penetration pain (p=0.003). The type of surgery impacted sexual satisfaction (p=0.031), and breast sensitivity (p=0.018). 74.5% of the patients emphasized the importance of sexual health. Nevertheless, 72.6% of BCS stated a decrease in the frequency of their sexual activity. 66.7% of the patients shared these issues with their partners, but only 23.6% talked about it with the oncologist. Furthermore, 72.5% felt that they did not have enough previous information. Interestingly, 80.4% would attend a nursing sexual health counselling and 78.4% considered this would improve their QOL.

Conclusions

HT impacted BCS’ sexual health. The most frequent problems were dysfunction due to vaginal dryness, penetration pain, and desire. Mastectomy and AI + LHRHA presented poorer outcomes. Nurses’ interventions could be helpful to improve their QOL.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.