Sexuality following breast cancer

This article provides sex and marital therapists with detailed, multifacete d descriptions of sexuality after breast cancer based on survey responses f rom 863 breast cancer survivors. One third of women reported that breast ca ncer had had a negative impact on her sex life, and most reported negative changes in at least some areas. Nonetheless, breast cancer survivors did no t differ from age-matched healthy women on a standard measure of sexuality. Women who were most likely to report a negative impact on sexuality from c ancer were those who had experienced changes in hormonal status, problems i n their relationships, and difficulties with vaginal dryness. On the basis of these findings, we offer suggestions for health professionals and therap ists treating breast cancer survivors.