open access
Sexual well being of breast cancer patients
, 23, 4, 5, 67
Affiliations- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Chair and Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Chemotherapy, University Hospital of Lord’s Transfiguration, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Immunobiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Gdansk, Poland
open access
Abstract
Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women – both in Poland and around the world. In terms of the mortality rate, it subsides brest cancer with lung cancer. In 2018, almost 2 million new cases were reported worldwide, and almost 44 million women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years.
Material. The aim of this paper is to present ways to improve the sexual well being of breast cancer patients.
Methods. Analysis of the literature by oncologists, gynecologists, and psychologists was used for theoretical discussion.
Results. Sexuality is an extremely important part of every woman’s life, including those suffering from breast cancer. Surgery of the breast, a symbol of a woman’s sexuality, and the negative effects of cancer therapy can alter a woman’s perception of her own body and lower her libido. Sexual therapy which should be based on multi-faceted activities, is an extremely important part of breast cancer treatment.
Conclusions. Therapeutic possibilities may be based on psychological and sexual therapies as well as pharmacological support (moisturizers, silicone lubricants, tampons inserted for several minutes with 4% vaginal lidocaine before intercourse, topical gels with estrogens, ospemifen, DHEA, testosterone).
Abstract
Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women – both in Poland and around the world. In terms of the mortality rate, it subsides brest cancer with lung cancer. In 2018, almost 2 million new cases were reported worldwide, and almost 44 million women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years.
Material. The aim of this paper is to present ways to improve the sexual well being of breast cancer patients.
Methods. Analysis of the literature by oncologists, gynecologists, and psychologists was used for theoretical discussion.
Results. Sexuality is an extremely important part of every woman’s life, including those suffering from breast cancer. Surgery of the breast, a symbol of a woman’s sexuality, and the negative effects of cancer therapy can alter a woman’s perception of her own body and lower her libido. Sexual therapy which should be based on multi-faceted activities, is an extremely important part of breast cancer treatment.
Conclusions. Therapeutic possibilities may be based on psychological and sexual therapies as well as pharmacological support (moisturizers, silicone lubricants, tampons inserted for several minutes with 4% vaginal lidocaine before intercourse, topical gels with estrogens, ospemifen, DHEA, testosterone).
Keywords
sexuality well being; breast cancer; sexual satisfaction; sexual therapy; treatment; surgery
About this articleTitle
Sexual well being of breast cancer patients
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
232-237
Published online
2021-06-08
Page views
726
Article views/downloads
595
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2021;71(4):232-237.
Keywords
sexuality well being
breast cancer
sexual satisfaction
sexual therapy
treatment
surgery
Authors
Milena Lachowicz
Joanna Kufel-Grabowska
Mikołaj Bartoszkiewicz
Rodryg Ramlau
Krzysztof Łukaszuk
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