[Information and screening for sexual disorders of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer: Results of a survey]

Abstract

Objectives: The diagnosis of breast cancer and the several treatments lead to sexual disorders in 40 to 60% of patients, impacting their quality of life and the one of the couple, even years after cancer. For a long time, the subject was ignored and these disorders untreated. This study aimed to carry out an inventory of information and screening for sexual disorders after breast cancer and to identify potential barriers to their application.

Method: A survey was conducted using questionnaires intended for patients with non-metastatic breast cancer and caregivers at the University Cancer Institute of Toulouse-Oncopole.

Results: Among 147 patients, 47% declared having received information at some point in their course while 92% would have liked to have a systematic information. Only 20% of patients pretend they had a screening for sexual disorders by a professional, whereas 78% would have liked it to be systematic. Although professionals declare that they are aware of the consequences of breast cancer on the sexual life of women, barriers to information and screening have been identified: difficulties felt in approaching this subject by professionals (lack of time during consultation, forgetting) and a lack of training on the subject.

Conclusion: Freeing the speech by informing and screening for sexual disorders secondary to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, is essential to improve the patients' support, their quality of life and the one of their couple.

Keywords: Accompagnement; Cancer du sein non métastatique; Dépistage; Information; Non-metastatic breast cancer; Screening; Sexual disorders; Support; Troubles de la sexualité.