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Prevalence and correlates of sexual morbidity in long-term breast cancer survivors
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Prevalence and correlates of sexual morbidity in long-term breast cancer survivors

Greer A Raggio, Meghan L Butryn, Danielle Arigo, Renee Mikorski and Steven C Palmer
Psychology & health, v 29(6), pp 632-650
03 Jun 2014
PMID: 24404999
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2013.879136View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

mastectomy body change stress sexual morbidity breast cancer survivors
Objective: Breast cancer survivors report adverse sexual effects (sexual morbidity) such as disrupted sexual function, sexual distress and body dissatisfaction. However, most studies have failed to evaluate the persistence of these effects in long-term survivors. The present study comprehensively assessed the prevalence and predictors of sexual/body image problems among survivors three or more years post diagnosis. Design/outcome measures: Eighty-three breast cancer survivors completed surveys a median of seven years post diagnosis. Survey items probed demographic, diagnostic and clinical information, in addition to sexual activity, sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]), body image, and distress regarding body changes and sexual problems (Female Sexual Distress Scale-revised; FSDS-R). Results: Seventy-seven percent of all participants and 60% of sexually active participants qualified for sexual dysfunction based on the FSFI. Between 37 and 51% met criteria for female sexual dysfunction, based on two FSDS-R clinical cut-offs. Body satisfaction was worse than normative values, while body change stress was mid-range. Notable sexual morbidity predictors included mastectomy, which was associated with worse sexual/body change distress, and post-treatment weight gain, which predicted greater body dissatisfaction/body change stress. Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors report substantial sexual morbidity years after treatment, especially after mastectomy or post-treatment weight gain. Breast cancer patients and their providers should be aware of these potential sexual effects.

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126 citations in Scopus

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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