1866P - Unmasking the extent of hidden sexual distress in young breast cancer survivors

Background

The aim of this study was to compare sexual health between young breast cancer survivors and healthy young women without history of cancer, to better analyse the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual health.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study including all young breast cancer patients (≤40 year-old) referred for radiotherapy between 2017 and 2021. Patients were asked to fill in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in its validated Arabic translated version. A comparable cohort of young healthy women was recruited to fill in the same questionnaire. Sexual scores were calculated for both groups and statistically compared.

Results

A total of 102 young breast cancer patients (BC group) and 53 young healthy women (control group) were included in this study. Only 39.2% of breast cancer patients answered the questionnaire. Ninety-seven percent of patients underwent chemotherapy. Adjuvant endocrine therapy was prescribed for 77% of patients, of whom 97% underwent ovarian function suppression. All patients received adjuvant hypofractionated radiotherapy. Mean FSFI score was 24.01 (2.4-33) in the BC group versus 28.88 (23.8-34.4) in the control group (p=0.000). Two patients declared having unpleasurable sexual activities before their diagnosis. Sexual dysfunction (FSFI score < 26,55) was reported in 55% and 20%, respectively in the BC and control group (p=0.001). Mean desire score was 3.58 vs 4.08 (p=0.016), respectively in the BC group and the control group. Ninety-two percent of breast cancer patients suffered from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (desire score <5), versus 87% in the control group (p=0.35).

Table: 1866P

Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire scores

Conclusions

This study showed a significant alteration of sexual function in young breast cancer survivors when compared with a control group. Assessment and management of sexual dysfunction should become a standard practice, in order to improve quality of life and sexual health in young breast cancer survivors.

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.