(078) ASSESSMENT OF SEXUAL FUNCTION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
Authors: Vitorino C , Souza R , Carvalho B , Buttros D , De Lucca H , Nahás E 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, is considered a risk factor for sexual dysfunction, which may be associated with the diagnosis itself or with oncological treatments. Sexual health is recognized as a crucial component of a woman’s well-being and a basic human right, yet sexual dysfunction poses significant challenges to social, mental, and physical health particularly in cancer survivors. The etiology of female sexual dysfunction is multifactorial, involving both biological factors and psychosocial elements. Cancer has significant physical and psychological consequences, and women treated for breast cancer are more prone to sexual dysfunction compared to those without cancer. The prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction in women without cancer can range from 30% to 40%.Previous studies have shown that women value sexual function as an important component of overall health. However, estimates suggest that less than half of these women seek and/or receive medical care. Given the barriers faced by breast cancer patients from diagnosis through treatment and the impact of the disease on sexual health, the objective of this study was to evaluate sexual function in postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer compared to women without breast cancer. The study also aimed to gain insights into the impact of oncological treatments on sexual function.

Objective

To evaluate the sexual function of postmenopausal breast cancer survivors compared with women without breast cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 178 breast cancer survivors (stages I-III), aged 45-70 years, with amenorrhea for ≥12 months and sexually active. They were compared to 178 women without breast cancer, matched for age and time since menopause in a 1:1 ratio. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which consists of six domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), with a total score ≤ 26.5 indicating sexual dysfunction. Statistical analysis included t-student test, chi-square test, and logistic regression (odds ratio - OR).

Results

Breast cancer survivors showed poorer sexual function in the desire domain (p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between groups in the other FSFI domains and total score (p &gt; 0.05). Breast cancer survivors had a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (64.6% with a total score ≤ 26.5) compared to the control group (51.6%) (p = 0.010). Adjusted risk analysis for age and time since menopause revealed a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors compared to women without cancer (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.29-2.96, p = 0.007). Among breast cancer survivors, the use of hormone therapy was associated with a higher risk of sexual dysfunction (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.59-7.51, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Compared to women without breast cancer, postmenopausal women with breast cancer face a higher risk of sexual dysfunction, especially when treated with hormone therapy.

Disclosure

No.