Sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns in young women with breast cancer: Type, prevalence, and predictors of problems
Menée en Suède par enquête auprès de 181 patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein et âgées de moins de 40 ans, cette étude analyse l'existence et le type de troubles sexuels ainsi que leurs préoccupations liées à la reproduction
Objective : A dearth of studies focusing on young women (<40 years) with breast cancer have hampered the understanding of the type, prevalence and predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns in this population. Methods : Data were collected from 181 women (response rate=60%) diagnosed with breast cancer approximately 2 years previously (age 21-39) using the Swedish National Quality Registry for Breast Cancer and a survey including standardized measures of sexual dysfunction, reproductive concerns, body image and health‐related quality of life. Multivariable logistic binary regression analyses were used to identify predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns. Results :Sexual dysfunction in at least one domain was reported by 68% of the women and a high level of reproductive concerns in at least one dimension was reported by 58%. Model results showed that current endocrine treatment was a significant predictor of dysfunction related to lubrication (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2‐12.1) and vaginal discomfort (OR 8.7, 95% CI 1.5‐51.5). Negative body image was related to satisfaction with sex‐life (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0‐1.2). A high level of reproductive concerns was predicted by a wish for (additional) children in the future (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1‐10.2) and by previous chemotherapy (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1‐5.9). Conclusions : Sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns are common in young women with breast cancer. Current endocrine treatment, previous chemotherapy, a negative body image, and a wish for children in the future predict higher level of problems.
Psycho-Oncology 2018