Factors related to sexual function in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer

Background: The normal life expectancy of survivors of early-stage breast c ancer (BCS) underscores the need to address long-term quality of life issue s in these women. Sexual dysfunction persists after breast cancer treatment , despite recovery in other domains. Objective: To examine associations between a broad array of characteristics and sexuality in BCS. Participants: Sixty-one postmenopausal BCS who were participants in a rando mized, controlled trial of nonhormonal interventions for menopause symptoms and who had a partnered, intimate relationship. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline trial data. Outcomes were sta ndardized scales of sexual interest, dysfunction, and satisfaction. Candida te predictors included demographic, anatomical, medical, psychological, soc iocultural, and hormonal characteristics. Forward, stepwise regression was used. Results: Relationship quality, vaginal discomfort, education, and hot flash es were each associated with two of the three domains of sexuality assessed . Ten other factors entered predictive models: age, time since diagnosis, b reast conservation, comorbidity, urinary incontinence, perceived health, bo dy image, bioavailable testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone b inding globulin. Each of these 10 factors was associated with only one sexu ality domain. Conclusions: In this small sample of BCS, we found multiple correlates of s exuality. Most seem to impact uniquely on individual domains of sexual func tion. Several characteristics are modifiable and could be targets for inter vention.