TitleSexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns in young women with breast cancer: Type, prevalence, and predictors of problems.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsLjungman, L, Ahlgren, J, Petersson, L-M, Flynn, KE, Weinfurt, K, Gorman, JR, Wettergren, L, Lampic, C
JournalPsychooncology
Date Published09/2018
ISSN1099-1611
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A dearth of studies focusing on young women (<40 years) with breast cancer have hampered the understanding of the type, prevalence, and predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns in this population.

METHODS: Data were collected from 181 women (response rate = 60%) diagnosed with breast cancer approximately 2 years previously (age 21-39) using the Swedish National Quality Registry for Breast Cancer and a survey including standardized measures of sexual dysfunction, reproductive concerns, body image, and health-related quality of life. Multivariable logistic binary regression analyses were used to identify predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns.

RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction in at least one domain was reported by 68% of the women, and a high level of reproductive concerns in at least one dimension was reported by 58%. Model results showed that current endocrine treatment was a significant predictor of dysfunction related to lubrication (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2-12.1) and vaginal discomfort (OR 8.7, 95% CI 1.5-51.5). Negative body image was related to satisfaction with sex life (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2). A high level of reproductive concerns was predicted by a wish for (additional) children in the future (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.2) and by previous chemotherapy (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.9).

CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns are common in young women with breast cancer. Current endocrine treatment, previous chemotherapy, a negative body image, and a wish for children in the future predict higher level of problems.

DOI10.1002/pon.4886
Alternate JournalPsychooncology
PubMed ID30203884
Grant List / / Doctoral School in Health Care Sciences at Karolinska Institutet /
2014-4689 / / Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare /
2014-0098 / / Vårdal Foundation /
TJ2014-0050 / / Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation /
CAN 2013/886 / / Swedish Cancer Society /
161272 / / Cancer Research Foundations of Radiumhemmet /