Aspects Of Sexual Consequences in Women Undergoing Anti-Hormonal Breast Cancer Therapy Volume 3 - Issue 1

Mary Zapczynski*, Cheryl Adair

• Assistant Professor Northwestern State University of Louisiana, College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, USA

Received: April 22, 2021;  Published: April 29, 2021

Corresponding author: Mary Zapczynski, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor Northwestern State University of Louisiana, College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, 1800 Line Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101

DOI: 10.32474/LOJNHC.2021.03.000155

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Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent form of female cancer with a global annual incidence of 2.4 million. Sexuality and sexual distress after breast cancer are a common and complex phenomenon not yet fully understood. The aim of the present study was to explore long-term sexual consequences after adjuvant endocrine breast cancer therapy and the strategies used to manage these consequences. This qualitative and descriptive focus group study included 45 women mean age 57.7 (36 - 77) from Region Stockholm, Sweden. Inclusion criteria were ongoing adjuvant endocrine BC therapy started within the past seven years and the ability to speak and understand Swedish. After eight focus group interviews were conducted saturation was reached. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach revealed five themes:

a) Decreased or absent sexual desire

b) Reasons for changed sexual desire.

c) Reactions to changes in sexual desire.

d) Relations to a partner.

e) Strategies to manage sexual dysfunctions.

The results deepen the understanding of sexuality after BC. We conclude there is a real need for compulsory education in sexology/sexual medicine for healthcare professionals meeting women with BC and moreover, sex therapists need to be trained to meet women with BC.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Desire, Genital Sexual Pain, Healthcare Professionals

Abstract| Introduction| Subjects and Methods| Results| Discussion| Strengths and limitations| Conclusion| References|