Factors Affecting Sexual Function and Body Image of Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors in Poland: A Short-Term Observation

Abstract

Introduction: Knowing the important factors influencing sexual function and body image might facilitate the recovery process of breast cancer survivors. Surgery type, relationship quality, and partner support might be modified to create a space for psychosexual intervention.

Patients and methods: This retrospective questionnaire-based study was performed on 128 women aged 18 to 65 years who were free of disease at time of study entry and who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria were used to assessed female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) were used to measure sexual function, whereas the Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire (BIBCQ) was used to assess body image. The support of the partner was evaluated by the Provisions of Social Relation Scale (PSRS).

Results: The median age of the studied respondents was 52.5 ± 10.1 years. FSD was diagnosed in 27.3% women. Lower physical satisfaction in relationship (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3), undergoing mastectomy (OR = 4.1) higher level of anxiety (OR = 4.2), and shorter duration of relationship (OR = 1.1) as well as not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (F = 3.54), higher level of emotional satisfaction in relationship (F = 20.32), longer time after completion of oncologic treatment (F = 8.76), undergoing breast-conserving therapy (compared to mastectomy) (F = 13.21), and lower level of anxiety (F = 31,25) were important factors for the prevalence of FSD and positive body image, respectively.

Conclusion: Type of surgery, time after completion of treatment, level of anxiety, adjuvant chemotherapy, partner support, and satisfying quality of relationship are important factors for sexual function, sexual quality of life, and body image in female breast cancer survivors.

Keywords: Body image; Breast cancer survivors; Determinant factors; Sexual dysfunction; Surgery time.