1676P - Sexuality among Tunisian breast cancer survivors

Background

Breast cancer (BC) survivors face many problems regarding sex. A range of medical treatments targeted to breast cancer patients leave behind large side effects that can negatively influence their sex life and change their body image, their self-esteem and their confidence. Most Tunisian Breast cancer survivors are reluctant to discuss their sexual problems with their doctors. Thus, their troubled sex life remains hidden. The aim of our study was to identify those sexual difficulties and to address the problems our patients are facing.

Methods

Patients diagnosed and treated for BC at the medical oncology department with active sex life prior to diagnosis were asked to complete a questionnaire from January to March 2023. The survey’s aim is to highlight the underlying problems breast cancer survivors are confronting and to help them lead a healthy sex life. One hundred women participated in our study.

Results

The medium age for our patients was 52.24 years. In our population, 52% of the women underwent radical mastectomy. All of our patients underwent radiotherapy and 88% underwent chemotherapy. Before BC diagnosis, patients who rarely had sex represent 28% of the women, those who had sex once a week represent 52% and those who had sex on a regular basis (more than once a week) represented 20% of the population. After surgery, 72% of our patients reported rarely having sexual relationships (less than once a month). Only 16% of our patients reported having intercourse once a week. As for patients who maintained a regular sex life after surgery (more than once a week), they represent 12% of the population. This drop in the frequency of sexual relationship is linked to multiple causes: body dysmorphia and failure to accept body changes 76%, lower libido in 80%; less vaginal sensation in 64% and vaginal dryness in 84%. Dyspareunia was experienced by 60% compared 36% before surgery. None of the women sought medical consult. No medication nor lubrification was used by the patients to improve their symptoms.

Conclusions

Breast cancer survivors are reluctant to discuss their sexuality and the problems they are facing after surgery. Even though patients don’t ask for help, it is our duty as clinicians to identify the problems and help our patients to receive the adequate treatment and advice.

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.