Published Paper


Psychological and Sexual problems in Breast Cancer Survivors

Jalaj Gaur, Lalit Mohan, Pragati Verma, Aradhana Arya, Kailash Chandra Pandey, Nirdosh Kumar Pant
Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Page: 70-74
Published on: 2023 June

Abstract

Background: The word cancer in itself consider to be synonymous for something very dangerous or even death sentence; it is often associated with disruption of physical, psychological and sexual wellbeing of individual and near and dear ones especially the spouse. We carried out a survey to know the associated morbidity other than physical wellbeing and try  to find out what people often consider the causes for such dysfunctions.  Objectives: This cross sectional study was planned to know about aspects of life and problems faced by patient and spouse other than cancer itself. Subjects  and methods:100 female patients along with their husbands interviewed using open ended questionnaire. Questionnaires were prepared after literature review, expert consultations and patient’s usual concerns and finally 7 constraint areas were identified which include cosmetics, physical barriers, psychological factors, daily activities, social aspects, physiological sexual factors and religion. Results: Survey included 100 women of ages 28 to 74 years along with their spouses (husbands). Out of these 62 were sexually active while interviewed. All of them completed their treatment in form of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 17 females underwent breast conservation surgeries while 83 recieved mastectomy; 71 patient underwent radiotherapy while all of them received chemotherapy. Out of 62 females who were sexually active 14 females were less than 40 years and 39 patients between 40-50 years and all were premenopausal before initiation of treatment while 9 patients were above 50 and postmenopausal. The physiological reasons, spouse related factors and personal stress were found to be most common problems. Only 5 patients and their spouses reported no issues with their sexual life and all of them were post breast conservation surgeries. Conclusion: Present survey results shows very high psychosexual and behavioural changes in patients and spouses of breast cancer. The reason for such problems ranged from physiological barriers to personal stress and financial constraints. Loss of cosmesis and physical pain also found to be affecting sexual functions. A need is seen to emphasize on patient’s spouse and treating doctor communication which may help improve the sexual issues.

 

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