Prevalence and associated factors of sexual problems after early-stage breast cancer treatment: results of a French exploratory survey

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual activity, sexual problems or sexual satisfaction in French early-stage breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: Eight hundred and fifty eligible, post-treatment (6 months-5 years) female patients, aged 18-70 years, randomly selected from a consultation list, were invited to fill in questionnaires exploring quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23), body image scale, and sexuality (Sexual Activity Questionnaire-SAQ; Relationship and Sexuality Scale; French Sexual Behaviour Survey-CSF). Results: Fifty-three percent of BCS agreed to participate. Participating women (n = 378) were younger, more often premenopausal at diagnosis and with a more recent diagnosis than non-respondents. The prevalence of sexual problems was significantly higher in BCS compared with adjusted data from a French female representative sample (p < 0.0001). In logistic regression, no sexual activity (R-2 = 0.37) or sexual dissatisfaction (R-2 = 0.28) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, poorer body image, or co-morbidities. In sexually active women (71% of respondents), lower frequency of sexual activity (R-2 = 0.26), lower sexual pleasure (R-2 = 0.22), or higher sexual discomfort (R-2 = 0.22) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, age (>50 years), nausea, or insomnia (all Hosmer-Lemeshow tests: p = NS). Conclusions: Psychological factors including the perception of the couple relationship appeared prominent in BCS women's experience of sexual problems. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.