Title | Sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns in young women with breast cancer: Type, prevalence, and predictors of problems. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2018 |
Authors | Ljungman, L, Ahlgren, J, Petersson, L-M, Flynn, KE, Weinfurt, K, Gorman, JR, Wettergren, L, Lampic, C |
Journal | Psychooncology |
Date Published | 09/2018 |
ISSN | 1099-1611 |
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. |
DOI | 10.1002/pon.4886 |
Alternate Journal | Psychooncology |
PubMed ID | 30203884 |
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 / |