Sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis: addressing a forgotten aspect of survivorship
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Authors
Vegunta, Suneela
Kuhle, Carol L.
Vencill, Jennifer A.
Lucas, Pauline H.
Mussallem, Dawn M.
Issue Date
2022-11-14
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Preventative/Mitigation Strategies , Risk Factors and Risk Prediction , Sexual Dysfunction
Alternative Title
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The life expectancy after a breast cancer diagnosis is improving steadily, leaving many more persons with the long-term consequences of treatment. Sexual problems are a common concern for breast cancer survivors yet remain overlooked in both the clinical setting and the research literature. Factors that contribute to sexual health concerns in breast cancer survivors are biopsychosocial, as are the barriers to addressing and treating these health concerns. Sexual health needs and treatment may vary by anatomy and gender. Multidisciplinary management may comprise lifestyle modifications, medications, sexual health aids such as vibrators, counseling, and referrals to pelvic health physical therapy and specialty care. In this article, we review the contributing factors, screening, and management of sexual difficulties in cisgender female breast cancer survivors. More information is needed to better address the sexual health of breast cancer survivors whose sexual/gender identity differs from that of cisgender women.
Description
Citation
Vegunta, S., Kuhle, C. L., Vencill, J. A., Lucas, P. H., & Mussallem, D. M. (2022). Sexual Health after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Addressing a Forgotten Aspect of Survivorship. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(22), 6723. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11226723
Publisher
Journal of Clinical Medicine