Breast cancer

1. A diagnosis of breast cancer brings numerous
psychological, emotional, relational, and sexual
ramifications for the woman, her partner and her
family. Cultural and personal views of the breast
as a symbol of femininity and attractiveness and
conversely as a source of life and nutrition,
play a role in how the woman and her partner
respond to the diagnosis.
2. Assessing the woman’s self concept, her body
image, expectations of fertility, and her sense of
femininity when discussing treatment options are
important. Women also fear the response of their
partners to potentially disfiguring surgeries.
Involving the partner in the treatment is
important. The adjustment process can be
improved by encouraging the partner to view
the surgical site early, discussing issues of
revulsion or avoidance (of the breast and the
partner) and addressing concerns about sexual
activity causing pain.
3. Sexual dysfunction occurs frequently among
breast cancer patients. However, the source of the
dysfunction has not been linked solely to the
diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The
sequelae of treatments, premature menopause,
depression, the impact of medication and
chemotherapy and preexisting sexual problems
may all contribute to dysfunction in breast
cancer patients.
4. A relationship exists between menstrual status and
sexual functioning in the woman who has breast
cancer. Chemotherapy induced menopause causes
vaginal dryness, and other hormonal changes
exacerbate sexual problems.8 Women who have
had chemotherapy and younger women who have
had premature menopause are more likely to
have problems with sexual function.
5. Women who have undergone reconstructive
surgery following mastectomy often complain of
loss of sensation and pain in the breast.9 Direct
stimulation of the breast is no longer as
pleasurable and may affect the quality of the
sexual interactions between the woman and her
partner. Women who have had total mastectomies
and reconstructive surgery are more likely to
experience significant sexual problems than those
who have undergone lumpectomies.

Posted in: Health,Sexuality,Sexuality through the life-cycle