News | Study Finds Sexual Health Concerns Affect 70% of Breast Cancer Patients
A study found that more than 70% of breast cancer patients experience sexual-health changes during and after treatment, including reduced libido, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and body-image concerns. These effects are often not adequately discussed by doctors.
The University of Colorado Cancer Center study was published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. Researchers noted that although there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors worldwide, many face physical and psychological effects of treatment while sexual-health education remains limited.
Why Are Sexual-Health Concerns Overlooked?
Dr. Sarah Tevis, assistant professor of surgical oncology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said many patients experience sexual-health problems without being told these changes may occur.
"Patients experience vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, reduced libido, and body-image anxiety. Unfortunately, many healthcare teams do not proactively explain these potential effects," Dr. Tevis said.
Although doctors often mention fertility and menopause, they rarely discuss issues directly affecting sexual quality of life. Limited consultation time, discomfort with the topic, or lack of training may contribute.
Patients Want Sexual-Health Education Earlier
Focus-group interviews showed that many patients experienced unexpected side effects but remained silent because they did not know how to raise them or believed nothing could be done.
"One patient told me she bled every time she used the bathroom because of vaginal dryness, but never mentioned it to her doctor because she thought it could not be treated," Dr. Tevis said.
Patients generally wanted sexual-health guidance early after diagnosis and proactive counseling before problems developed.
Sexual-Health Education Should Be Personalized
Age, cultural background, and personal preferences affect how patients want to receive this information.
Younger patients often prefer face-to-face conversations and direct guidance;
Older patients may prefer written materials they can review privately;
Cultural beliefs also affect comfort and communication.
"Doctors must consider individual differences rather than use a one-size-fits-all approach," Dr. Tevis said.
University of Colorado Partners with a Nonprofit on Educational Videos
Based on the findings, the University of Colorado partnered with Catch It In Time to create sexual-health education videos for clinicians and breast cancer patients.
The videos are expected to launch this fall on the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions website and will be free for healthcare professionals and patients.
Future Outlook: Make Sexual Health Part of Breast Cancer Care
Dr. Tevis emphasized that sexual-health education should be part of breast cancer care, not an overlooked secondary topic.
"When patients understand these potential changes, they are less likely to feel helpless. Doctors should treat the cancer and help patients maintain quality of life during recovery."
News | Study Finds Sexual Health Concerns Affect 70% of Breast Cancer Patients
News | Study Finds Sexual Health Concerns Affect 70% of Breast Cancer Patients
A study found that more than 70% of breast cancer patients experience sexual-health changes during and after treatment, including reduced libido, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and body-image concerns. These effects are often not adequately discussed by doctors.
The University of Colorado Cancer Center study was published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. Researchers noted that although there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors worldwide, many face physical and psychological effects of treatment while sexual-health education remains limited.
Why Are Sexual-Health Concerns Overlooked?
Dr. Sarah Tevis, assistant professor of surgical oncology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said many patients experience sexual-health problems without being told these changes may occur.
"Patients experience vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, reduced libido, and body-image anxiety. Unfortunately, many healthcare teams do not proactively explain these potential effects," Dr. Tevis said.
Although doctors often mention fertility and menopause, they rarely discuss issues directly affecting sexual quality of life. Limited consultation time, discomfort with the topic, or lack of training may contribute.
Patients Want Sexual-Health Education Earlier
Focus-group interviews showed that many patients experienced unexpected side effects but remained silent because they did not know how to raise them or believed nothing could be done.
"One patient told me she bled every time she used the bathroom because of vaginal dryness, but never mentioned it to her doctor because she thought it could not be treated," Dr. Tevis said.
Patients generally wanted sexual-health guidance early after diagnosis and proactive counseling before problems developed.
Sexual-Health Education Should Be Personalized
Age, cultural background, and personal preferences affect how patients want to receive this information.
Younger patients often prefer face-to-face conversations and direct guidance;
Older patients may prefer written materials they can review privately;
Cultural beliefs also affect comfort and communication.
"Doctors must consider individual differences rather than use a one-size-fits-all approach," Dr. Tevis said.
University of Colorado Partners with a Nonprofit on Educational Videos
Based on the findings, the University of Colorado partnered with Catch It In Time to create sexual-health education videos for clinicians and breast cancer patients.
The videos are expected to launch this fall on the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions website and will be free for healthcare professionals and patients.
Future Outlook: Make Sexual Health Part of Breast Cancer Care
Dr. Tevis emphasized that sexual-health education should be part of breast cancer care, not an overlooked secondary topic.
"When patients understand these potential changes, they are less likely to feel helpless. Doctors should treat the cancer and help patients maintain quality of life during recovery."
Source:
Collected online